Florence Anna Campbell passed away peacefully in McIntosh Lodge, Chilliwack, on July 17, 2002 at the age of 88 years, nine months. Florence was born near Dauphin, Man., October 26, 1913, the youngest daughter of William and Anna (Shmitt) Nicodemus. She moved with her parents and brothers, Herb and Bill, to the Peace River Country in 1930. There she met and married Albert Campbell in 1934. They homesteaded first in the Devereaux area (Arras) west of Dawson Creek, and then farmed northeast of Rolla, B.C. They moved into Dawson Creek in 1947 (where Al barbered for many years). They lived in Penticton for about seven very enjoyable years, and then resided in Chilliwack since 1975.
Flo and Al moved into McIntosh Lodge in September 2001. Al passed away December 8, 2001. From that time on Flo underwent treatment for cancer. She suffered quietly, but courageously. She was an inspiration to us all. She was grateful for the loving care of the staff at the Lodge.
In her daily life Flo lived quietly, devoting herself to her husband and family. She enjoyed activities with her church, especially in Penticton where she made good friends. Flo enjoyed singing in the choir, and played in a handbell choir. She enjoyed activities with a senior’s association in Chilliwack. In her youth she loved to play baseball, playing for the ’Rolla’ ladies’ baseball team for many years. She always remained a fan of the sport. She loved camping and travelling, and always had open home for her family, friends and strangers. Her teapot was always on and no-one ever left hungry. We will always remember the smell of homemade bread, pies, and goodies.
Florence had always wanted to be a nurse, she took care of her six children through all their childhood ills. She cared for her mother-in-law until her death at age 99 in 1965. As a family we are grateful for her loving care. We were privileged to return the favour.
Florence was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Flo was predeceased by her parents; her brothers and sisters, Charles, Ralph, Ada Whitmore, Katherine Dahl, Mabel Fraser, and Bill Nicodemus; also by an infant son Glen; grandson Peter; son-in-law Ken Steers; and by Al, her husband of 67 years.
She is survived by one brother Herb (Elsie) Nicodemus of Pouce Coupe, B.C.; by special nephew Earl (Joanne) Nicodemus and family of Venezuela; by Shirley Campbell; and many nieces and nephews.
Flo is survived by six children, Ellen and Ruben Mantler of Prince George, Ina and Gordon Johnson of La Glace, Alta., Cathy and Gerhard Meyer of Islay, Alta., Garth and Adrienne Campbell of Chilliwack, Nora Steers of New Westminster, and Terry and Winston Kimber of Boston Bar; also by 17 grandchildren; and 31 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at the chapel of Henderson’s Funeral Home at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2002. Rev. Don Enns officiating.
The family would like to thank the staff at McIntosh Lodge, and to Dr. Ho. Special thanks to Daisy Ann for her love and support. She will be sadly missed but never forgotten. Donations would be gratefully accepted to the Canadian Cancer Society, or the Chilliwack Hospice Society.