By Susan Steele
Correspondent
At Sherwood Lodge Assisted Living in Williams Bay, Florence Henrietta Terry Mercer celebrated her remarkable 102nd birthday with cupcakes, police sirens, a champagne toast and the uplifting performance of the Williams Bay Junior High School choir.
Though the joyous fanfare may fade with time, the dedicated former math teacher and school superintendent, who drove herself from New York to Florida every year until she turned 100, continues to exemplify the idea that embracing life’s moments is far better than dwelling on how to change them.
Florence’s life began in her family’s three-story brownstone on Lexington Avenue in Manhattan on March 6, 1923. Her father, Winfield Clinton Terry, practiced dentistry on one of the upper floors.
At the same time, her mother, Henrietta, cared for their various pets, including dogs and cats, and trained singing canaries. The Terry family had six children: Florence, who shared a room with her younger sister; two mischievous twin boys; and an older sister and brother who looked after them all.
Every school day, Florence walked down the bustling Lexington Avenue, her footsteps echoing against the vibrant backdrop of Manhattan as she made her way to PS 6.
She spent summers at her paternal grandfather’s farm in the picturesque Catskill Mountains. Florence explored the land with her mother and siblings while her dad joined them on weekends.
While at the farm, Florence discovered her love for horseback riding. She felt a thrill of adventure as she galloped across the fields amidst the gentle mooing of the Guernsey cows raised by her grandfather. Each moment spent there became a cherished memory woven into her childhood fabric until the farm was sold after her grandfather passed away.
When her family moved to Long Island, Florence attended Hampstead High School, where she volunteered in the school office. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for mathematics. Working with numbers was easy and enjoyable, and her exceptional math grades reflected her talent. In contrast to writing, which she struggled with, solving math problems felt like a rewarding puzzle for her to tackle.
As Florence celebrated her 18th birthday, the world was on the brink of a tumultuous change with the attack on Pearl Harbor. Amidst the uncertainties of war, Florence, along with her brothers and future husband, Hollis Mercer, embraced a new chapter of life at Adelphi College in Garden City, Long Island.
Immersed in the vibrant energy of campus life, Florence pursued her studies with determination, ultimately earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. It was during this time that she formed enduring bonds with her sorority sisters in Delta Gamma, finding solace and support amidst the chaos of a world in transition.
Florence began her teaching career in public high school math in upstate New York, where she particularly enjoyed teaching Algebra and Geometry. After marrying Hollis, they settled in Long Island. Hollis commuted daily to New York City for his job at Royal Globe Insurance. During this period, Florence pursued further education at Columbia University, attained a Master’s Degree in Mathematics, and subsequently advanced to the role of school superintendent.
Although Hollis and Florence never had children, Florence found joy in working with them. She loved helping students mature and grow.
Two years ago, Florence moved into Sherwood Lodge Assisted Living Center with her two Singapore kittens, Tigger and Willie. She has found a sense of home in Sherwood, with her sunny room adorned with all her belongings, family pictures, and a flowering orchid.
The orchid, she says, is her “passion” – she finds the color attractive, and they are continually blooming. She used to have a spot in her house, in the kitchen, the breakfast room, with a big window, perfect for growing orchids. Now, she has recreated that spot in her room at Sherwood, a testament to her adaptability and love for life.
Florence is comfortable with technology. She has a computer, email account and cell phone. Outside of her appendix being taken out, she’s had no surgeries and doesn’t need glasses. Florence still cooks, constantly reads, and enjoys listening to hymns.
“I want to be remembered,” Florence said, gazing fondly at her two sleeping cats, ready for a nap herself, “As someone who loved animals, music and children.”
Her voice conveys a deep devotion to all three. Her life’s nurturing spirit and unwavering resilience demonstrates it was one well-lived.
