Florence Hargraves of Poughkeepsie died Thursday, December 17, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer. Florence was born on January 21, 1929 and she was raised in Yonkers, New York. She was known as Honey to family and friends. She graduated from Commerce High School and went on to work for Alexander Smith, Yonkers General Hospital and the Andrews Home.

Florence married Richard Hargraves on January 18, 1953 at St. Joseph's Church in Yonkers. He preceded her in death on October 13, 1991. She is survived by her eight children and their families: Debbie Hargraves, Joan and John Murphy, Rie and Tony Moore, Richard and Colleen Hargraves, Robert and Elizabeth Hargraves, Jamie and Kelly Hargraves, Mary Kay Hargraves, and Michael and Barbara Hargraves. Florence is also survived by her eleven grandchildren: Sarah Hargraves, Brammie Moore, Emma Persons, Ashley Hargraves, Christina Hargraves, Richard Hargraves, Michael Hargraves, Grace Hargraves, Katie Hargraves, Shane Murphy, Jake Hargraves, and Dylan Hargraves.

Florence was predeceased by her mother and father, Mary and John Walsh, brothers David and Jack Walsh and her sisters Agnes Walsh, Ann Gallo, Kay Lyons, and Maureen (Dolly) Martin.

Florence will be waked at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction on Monday, December 21 from 2:00 - 4:00 and 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. and a memorial service will be held at Calvary Chapel of the Hudson Valley on Tuesday at six o'clock in the evening.

Before her illness, Honey was a greeter at Calvary Chapel. Honey had a gift for making people feel welcomed and loved. She was also part of the prayer ministry and women's Bible study. Honey will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her. She was a wonderful mother, aunt, and friend. Her gentle and kind ways will be remembered always.