Florence Steen
Florence McClellan Steen, just shy of 95 years young, of 60 Church St., Saranac Lake, peacefully went to join her beloved husband John on Oct. 13, 2024, at her home. She was surrounded by family and friends.
Born in Cambridge, New York, on Nov. 5, 1929, she was the daughter of the late George R. and Edna (Beattie) McClellan, also of Cambridge.
Florence graduated from Cambridge Central School in 1947 and from Cobleskill College in 1949 earning a degree in nutrition and dietetics. After graduation, she worked in various places including the former Mary McClellan hospital in Cambridge. She married the love of her life, the late John A. Steen on Dec. 26, 1952. John was the son of the late Alf K. and Frances (Burns) Steen. John and Florence were married for nearly 68 wonderful years.
Florence worked for the Senior Citizens Association of Franklin County from 1979 to 1989 as the director of the nutrition programs. Her job with the Association required her to visit all the nutrition sites in the county — a job she loved! She later worked for Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake as a dietitian. Florence retired in 1994, She and John took up traveling in their truck camper for approximately 14 years visiting about 40 states and all the Canadian provinces and territories except one — they had the time of their lives!
She, along with her husband, was active with Extension, 4-H, Farm Bureau, and the national, state and local Ayrshire associations. Florence was a faithful and active member in the Episcopal church within the parish, Deanery and the Diocese of Albany.
She is survived by her three sons, Allen (Leona) Steen of Brushton, Neal Steen of Malone, and James (Debra) Steen of Lady Lake, Florida; daughter Susan Steen (Maurice Brown) of Saranac Lake; and a foster son, Welding (June) Griggs of Naples, Florida. She is also survived by three grandsons, Adam (Angie) King of Belmont, Matthew (Amanda) King of Malone, and Robert (Kerry) King of Constable; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; plus several nieces, nephews and cousins, along with their children scattered throughout the U.S. In addition, Florence has many many “adopted” grandchildren, most of whom are now grown with children of their own. These wonderful kids can be found throughout the U.S., including Alaska, Pennsylvania and right here in the Tri-Lakes region.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, John, as well as her parents and in-laws, her one sister and brother-in-law George and Frances (McClellan) Poole of South Glens Falls, New York, and her sister-in-law, Margaret Steen of Cambridge.
In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to may make a donation in Florence’s memory to High Peaks Hospice or St. Luke’s Church can do so in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home, 20 Church St., Saranac Lake, NY 12983.
A memorial service is set to take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 136 Main St., Saranac Lake, NY 12983 with Fr. Andy Cruz Lillegard officiating. We lovingly ask that you wear bright colors, please. All are invited to a luncheon reception in the Parish Hall following the service. The service will be lived streamed at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com/obituaries/florence-steen.
Florence Steen a faithful Christian, a loving wife and mother, and a great friend. She was a wonderful, beautiful lady.