Florence Mapes

While surrounded by love, Florence H. Mapes passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2026. She gave the world 87 years of her love.

Born in Warsaw, New York, Florence carried the steadfast and courageous spirit of her family farm to the shores of Long Island and the mountains of Vermont. She married the love of her life, Ethan Allen “Peter” Mapes Jr., in 1960. Together, they welcomed their first daughter, Julia Anne, and resided in Wellsville, New York. After their second daughter, Pamela Marie, was born, the family moved to West Islip, New York.

Ahead of her time, Florence graduated from Geneseo State Teachers College in 1960, was a member of Clionian Sorority, and went on to earn her Master's in Library Science. She inspired a love of learning in hundreds of children as a fourth-grade teacher and school librarian.

After the sudden passing of her husband, Florence remained in West Islip until 1994, when she retired to the Green Mountains of Vermont. There she spent her days, devoted to bestowing love upon her grandchildren along the creeks and bike paths, and on the slopes of Smugglers Notch. She was a dedicated volunteer at the Varnum Memorial Library and Bryan Art Gallery, and found fellowship through her play-reading group and the First Congregational Church. In her later years, she was blessed by the beautiful companionship of Joe Rowe. Her family, including the growing number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, filled her heart with immense laughter and joy.

A beloved matriarch, Florence will be remembered lovingly by her family. Her spirit will be carried forward by her eldest daughter, Julia, and son-in-law Dave Lane; and her youngest daughter, Pamela Mapes; as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Nick & Cara Lane with Avalea and Eleanor; Alex & Melissa Lane with Christopher; Ethan Pellegrino & Emma Grant, and Johanna & Aidan Kierce. She was the cornerstone of her family, upon which her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will build homes filled with love in the form of stories of mice and mountains, the comfort of hot chocolate after sledding, game nights around a large table, and the warmth of the summer sun and salty air upon the beaches. Her love will be forever felt.

Please join us for the memorial service on Sunday, April 26th 2026, at 11:00 am at Snowfarm Inn, 153 West Shore Road, South Hero, Vermont, followed by a celebration of life at Snow Farm Winary. Kindly inform us of your intentions to attend at lanes@snowfarm.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider carrying on our mom's devotion to others by donating to:

https://cidervt.charityproud.org/Donate/?cid=26026

The Florence Schoff Hatfield Scholarship is being developed to support young people going into the teaching profession, attending SUNY Geneseo. If you would like to donate to this fund, please contact Pamela Mapes at pmapes2025@gmail.com