Florence Johnson Laffey of Cochranville

Florence Johnson Laffey of Cochranville passed away at home on Wednesday, February 28, 2018, after a prolonged illness.

Born in Marshalton 12/1½8 she was the daughter of the late Norton and Gertrude (Baldwin) Johnson. She was the beloved wife of Dr. Elmer F. Laffey with whom she shared 70 years of marriage.

Florence was an area resident all her life and a 1947 graduate of West Chester High School. Following her graduation, she was employed at Ball & Ball Brasses in West Chester until the time of her marriage. Following her marriage to Elmer, she became a farmer’s wife for twelve years before solely focusing on the care of her home and children while Elmer attended University. Following his graduation, she was a vital part of his veterinary practice working as a bookkeeper and secretary.

Florence was a member of the Southern Chester County Hospital Auxiliary for over fifty years and for several years served as the organization’s president. She was well known for her efforts to coordinate their plant and bake sale, which was held annually close to Mother’s Day.

She was accomplished in crewel embroidery and knitting making numerous articles over the years. She was an avid member of St Malachi Church where she also volunteered as part of the Church Council, cleaning, organizing events, and helping with socials held on Sundays. A highlight of her life was her Irish teas on St. Patrick’s Day. After visiting Ireland in 1976 she started the teas for family and friends which became a tradition that lasted the next fortyone years.

She is survived, in addition to her husband, by four children; Robert Laffey and wife Martha, of Cochranville, John Laffey, and wife Linda, of Unionville, Deborah Gallagher and husband John of Lancaster, Diane Rouine and husband Karim of Philadelphia; 15 grandchildren and 23 greatgrandchildren. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Dr. Linda Arkles, and five siblings; Earl Johnson, Robert Johnson, Edgar Johnson, Richard Johnson and Marian Fell.

Funeral Services will be held at St. Malachi Church, 76 St. Malachi Rd., Cochranville, PA 19330 on Wednesday, March 7. There will be a viewing starting at 10:00 AM, followed by an 11:00 AM Mass and then burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Arrangements by Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg. Online condolences can be posted at www. wildefuneralhome.com