Obituary of Helen Florence

Helen Anne Florence passed away on Monday, August 7, 2006 at the age of 88 years. She was born on December 25, 1917 in Baldwinton, Saskatchewan. Helen is survived by 5 sons: Glenn (Georgette) Florence of Rocky Mountain House, Barry Florence of Kelowna, Ken (Wendy) Florence of Edmonton, Kim (Margie) Florence of Lloydminster and Terry (Deanna) Florence of Kelowna; one daughter, Wendy (Grant) Cheley of Lloydminster; 13 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Helen was predeceased by her husband, Glenn and daughter, Patricia Florence. The Memorial Service was conducted from the McCaw Funeral Chapel, Lloydminster, Alberta on Thursday, August 10, 2006 at 1:00 P.M. with Reverend Harold Martin officiating. Hymns sung were, “Beyond the Sunset” and “There’ll Be Peace in the Valley”, accompanied on the organ by Marj Kilback. Marlene Risling led the singing. Interment followed in the Lloydminster City Cemetery. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd. of Lloydminster, Alberta administered the funeral arrangements. Tribute to Gramma It has been a sad week. Lots of tears. Lots of fears. Lots of questions and lots of waiting-for the inevitable. It has also been a week of healing. Lots of love, laughing and plenty of hugs. Many stories and reminiscing. Dustin and I wanted to write this as a tribute to our Gramma-Helen Florence. But it cannot be done without being a tribute to each and every one of her children and grandchildren. All of you, and your families are a tribute to who she was. Amazing woman!! Seven children. She was a wonderful cook and host. She always had her door open to anyone but she, as gracious as she was, never took crap from anyone. A strong-willed woman who always demanded things be done her way. I admire her strength and aspire to have her determination. Her humor is indescribable but is certainly present in her kids. It was Gramma’s desire that all her children and grandchildren be okay. She left this world content in knowing that we’re all gonna be okay because the last few days have brought us all together in a way we have never been. I was reminded this week of all the crazy times and difficult times but more than that - Dustin and I have come to know that there exists strong family roots because of her. From these roots is love that will be carried forward for generations to come. We love you Gramma...You’ll always be in our hearts. “You can shed a tear that she’s gone Or you can smile because she has lived. Or you can open your eyes and see all that she’s left. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her Or you can be full of love you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow because of yesterday Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember her and only that she’s gone Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on. You can close your mind, be empty and turn your back Or you can do what she’d want, smile, open your eyes, love and go on.” May the road rise up to meet you May the wind be always at your back May the sun shine warm upon your face The rain soft upon the fields Until we meet again May God hold you in the palm of his hand Card of Thanks The Florence family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Cavanagh, the Nurses on the Third Floor and the Ambulance Attendants for your care and support given in time of need; to all our neighbours and friends for your phone calls, flowers, donations and gifts of food; to Reverend Harold Martin for your lovely service and to Marj Kilback and Marlene Risling for your wonderful musical talents; we are forever grateful. The Florence Family