Florence E. Davenport

Florence E. Davenport of Ithaca peacefully passed away on October 2, 2025, at the Cayuga Ridge Nursing Facility at the age of 80.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on November 2, 1944, Florence was the daughter of the late Robert and Florence Josephine (Golightly) Long. Florence was a proud graduate of high school, but her academic journey took a significant turn when she chose to leave nursing school to adopt five children. This monumental decision marked the beginning of a beautiful and fulfilling chapter in her life, where she embraced motherhood with a passion that was unmatched. Her children were not just her pride and joy; they were the very essence of her being and the most significant accomplishment she held dear.

Her nurturing spirit did not stop at her own children. Florence worked for Ithaca Families and Children's Group, where she tirelessly volunteered to place at-risk and hard-to-place children with loving adoptive parents, ensuring that each child found a safe and nurturing home. Her commitment knew no bounds as she led the "Tough Love" support group for adoptive parents, offering guidance, understanding, and compassion.

She had a deep love for sewing, arts and crafts, and gardening, cultivating both vegetables and beautiful flowers. Florence was a great cook making many things from scratch, including yogurt, granola, bread, and every meal. Florence was also a musician, playing both the cello and piano, and her heart resonated with the melodies of classical music, which brought her immense joy. Her love for others was fed by her faith in God and the example of Jesus that she looked to daily.

Florence is survived by her children, Jamie (Rebekah) Davenport, Laurel Capobianco, Ted (Patrick Magee) Davenport, and Jodie Davenport; grandchildren, Jamie (Dove Dewey) Davenport Jr., Austin and Elizabeth Davenport, and Ryan Capobianco; sisters, Margaret Long and Roseanna Weidner; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Florence was preceded in death by her husband W. Gary Davenport and; a son, Andrew Davenport.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 1st, 2025, at the new and fully wheelchair accessible Ithaca Downtown Conference Center: 116 E Green Street, Ithaca, New York, with parking (validated at the service, so no charge to you) available in the garage adjacent to the building. There will be harp music welcome starting at 1:00 p.m. with the service beginning at 1:30 p.m. and a catered meal and visitation time immediately following the service at the same venue.

If you're able to plan your attendance in advance for the memorial service, it would be very helpful for planning if you could please let Laurel Capobianco know a head count for your group by October 18th at laurel.capobianco@gmail.com or (734) 223-6614. All are welcome regardless of advanced planning. Information regarding a potential livestream will be shared if that option becomes available. If you'd like to share a memory of Florence, please email a short video clip or letter to Laurel for consideration.