Sister Florence Ribson of the Sisters of St. Joseph died Sept. 12, 2006, at the age of 91.
Prior to entering the congregation from her home parish of Blessed Sacrament in Rochester, she had earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Nazareth College and a nursing degree from St. Joseph’s Hospital, Elmira. She then received a master’s degree in nursing from Catholic University.
The following 20 years were devoted to nursing instruction at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Nazareth College. She then returned to St. Joseph’s as nursing supervisor, following which she was the hospital’s associate director of nursing education. Following a nine-year ministry as administrator of the congregation’s hospital infirmary, she returned to St. Joseph’s Hospital, serving in patient education and as tumor registrar.
In her retirement, which she began in 1987, Sister Ribson served as receptionist of the convent infirmary and clerk at Cornerstone Crafts.
Sister Ribson is survived by her nephews, Edward (Eve) and Thomas (Deborah) Ribson; her nieces Anne (Joseph) O’Henry and Mary (Ronald) Gibson; and her sisters in the congregation.
Her funeral liturgy was celebrated in the motherhouse chapel on Sept. 14, 2006, followed by burial in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph, 150 French Road, Rochester, NY 14618.
