Florence M. Bannister, age 94, of Merchant Rd., Warsaw, passed away Saturday, December 15th, 2012, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Warsaw, May 19th, 1918, daughter of the late Edgar and Elizabeth Bauer Bagg. A lifetime resident of Wyoming County, Florence graduated from Warsaw High School in 1936 and received her Bachelor of Special Education from the State University of New York at Geneseo in 1939. Florence worked as a special education teacher for the Livingston Wyoming BOCES as well as being a private tutor for 22 years, retiring in 1978. She was known as being a well crafted practical joker who enjoyed crocheting dolls, ornaments, stuffed animals and clothing, crossword puzzles and word games. Florence loved to travel, spending her winters in Florida, and was an avid yardsale shopper. She was predeceased by her husband, Richard Bannister, who passed away November 15th, 2010; 3 brothers, Charles, Harold and Kenneth Bagg; and a sister, Mildred Streeter. Survivors include 3 daughters, Judy Bannister of Holiday, FL, Susan (Frank) Cummins of Franklinville, and Kathy Bell of Warsaw; 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 4 great great grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. A special blessing is offered to devoted granddaughter, Debbie Vallance, who took dedicated care of her beloved grandmother. Friends of Florence may call from 2 to 4pm and 7 to 9pm, Wednesday, December 19th, 2012 at the Weeks Funeral Home 123 N. Main St, Warsaw. A funeral service will be held 10am, Thursday, December 20th, 2012 at the funeral home with Pastor Doug Evans of the First Baptist Church of Wyoming as officiant. Private burial will be held at Warsaw Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in Florence's name to the Warsaw Rescue Squad at PO Box 22 Warsaw, NY 14569 or to Special Olympics and www.specialolympics.org.