MECHANICVILLE - Florence Helen Crouse-VanDetta of Mechanicville, NY passed away at Shaker Place Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Albany, NY on January 9,2022. It was a blissful evening on December 17,1931 that Florence Cavanaugh was born, the third daughter of Michael and Mary Moyles Cavanaugh. They lived in a small hamlet in Ashley, PA. The family called her Flo. She attended St. Charles Catholic Grade school and graduated from St. Leo’s High School as Valedictorian in 1949. She received a scholarship to attend Misericordia, a Catholic College in Pennsylvania. Before graduation, she was recruited by General Electric and selected for the Chem-Met Program (Chemical-Metallurgy). GE was looking for women with Math & Science knowledge for their program. They were opening the door of opportunity for women. Flo was hired to work at the Research Lab in Niskayuna and also served two assignments at the GE Lab in Waterford. She returned to the Research Lab where she earned several awards for her work. One of her fondest memories was making several commercials with an actor named Ronald Reagan, a spokesperson for GE who later became President of our country. Flo later obtained her Master’s from St. Rose in teaching. When the Mechanicville High School was without a Math and Science teacher, she volunteered until a permanent teacher could be found. She enjoyed many years substituting in the Math/Science field at the High School. Flo also tutored students in her home who required extra help in these subjects. Flo loved reading and it was not unusual for her to be reading several books simultaneously. She enjoyed volunteering her time to a number of organizations. A member of St Paul’s Church in Mechanicville and also a 60 + year member of the Catholic Daughters, Court #71. Flo was an early Catechist and taught religion for 6 years. She was a Eucharistic Minister, Counselor for Marriage Encounter and a member of the Cursillo, a movement devoted to Evangelizing. Later she became a leader in an exercise program conducted at the Senior Citizens Center in Mechanicville. In 1955, Flo married Alfred Crouse, an engineer who worked at GE in the Waterford plant. He died in 1985. Later she married John “Bob” VanDetta. She was also predeceased by two sisters: Mary Louise Batchelor and Clare Conaboy. Flo is survived by her husband, John (Bob) VanDetta of Mechanicville, a brother, James Cavanaugh (Grace) of Stillwater NY, a sister, Jane Skiscim of Crestwood, KY, one son, Jack Crouse (Mary Ann) of Colonie NY, a daughter, Karen Roesser(Jim) of Midlothian VA, Grandchildren: John Roesser Jr (Kim) of Dallas,Texas, Laura Roesser of Richmond, VA, Kathleen Crouse (Tony Delgado) of Norwalk,CT, Stephen Crouse (Kristin) of Glenville NY, Great Grandson: Connor Joseph Crouse of Glenville, NY as well s several Nieces and Nephews. The family would like to express their gratitude to the Home Health Aides who provided extraordinary care in allowing Flo to remain at home for many years. Additionally, thanks to Landmark Health for their medical assistance, Shaker Place for their high level of quality care and the support of Community Hospice. A private Christian Burial will be celebrated by the family at a date of their choosing. A remembrance in Flo’s name may be made to a charity of your choice.