(1911-2006)
The family of Florence Anderson are sad to announce that she passed away in her sleep on June 25, 2006 at the age of 95. Mom had been in good health, living on her own in a retirement residence in Victoria (The Wellesley), at the time of her passing..
Florence is survived by two sons and four daughters: Don (Judy) of Weyburn, SK, Dennis (Muriel) of New Westminster, B.C., Olava of Vancouver, B.C., Penny (Michael) Kristiansen of Sooke, B.C. twins, Eva of Victoria B.C., and Elizabeth of Kamloops, B.C., four grandchildren: Jeffrey Anderson of New Westminster B.C., Erica (Brad) McGaffney of Port Coquitlam B.C., Shawn (Joanne) Anderson of Calgary, AB, Troy (Leanne) Anderson of Moose Jaw, SK, six great grandchildren: Haley, Mathew and Nathan Anderson of Moose Jaw, SK, Emma and Julia McGaffney of Port Coquitlam B.C., Avery Anderson of Calgary, AB. She is also survived by her dear cousin Allan Martin, Nanaimo B.C. and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins across Canada and the USA.
She was predeceased by Roy, her husband of 57 years in 1991, a daughter Karen in 1983, dear cousins Florence and Earl Martin and Esther Marken.
Florence was born on March 3, 1911 in Ellendale, ND, USA to Claude and Eva Roop. Both her parents and grandparents (Henry and Florence Martin) were early homesteaders in the Hazlet and Roseray districts of SK.
She started school in Jamesville then attended Unionville, Cabri, Regina, Battrum, United Church Wesley College in Winnipeg before finishing up at Outlook Lutheran College in Outlook, Sk.
Florence married Roy Allyn Anderson of Roseray, SK on May 7, 1934. They spent their early married life in Chilliwack, B.C. and Paris, Yukon returning to the Roop homestead in 1946. In 1973, after 27 years of farming, they retired to Chilliwack, B.C. Florence spent her last 12 years in Victoria. B.C.
Florence was an active community worker. She was a co-founder of the Hazlet Hustlers 4-H Homecraft Club and one of the original members of both the Hazlet Home & School and Chilliwack Spinners & Weavers Guild. She was a long time member of the Roseray Community Club, Hazlet United Church Ladies Aid as well as a volunteer for the Chilliwack Hospital Service League. She always spoke very fondly of her life and friends from these communities and was enjoying her life, friends and activities at the Wellesley in Victoria..
In addition to all her community work, she raised seven children, took an active part helping Roy farm, found time for birthday parties, family gatherings, relatives, friends, was a faithful letter writer, the family historian and at the age of 85 wrote her own memoirs.
Florence was a strong independent, resourceful lady, a characteristic she fostered in all her children. She loved her weaving, knitting, crocheting, crafts, reading and socializing with family and friends. She never missed an opportunity to go somewhere or visit someone. Mom, we love you and will miss you dearly.
At her request, no funeral service was held. The family will hold a special “Celebration of her Life” at a later date. For those wishing, memorial donations may be made to your favorite charity. First Memorial in Victoria B.C. is entrusted with cremation.