Nov 4, 1922 - Nov 3, 2017
Florence Valinda Cross (Popp) aka Best Friend, (as her great grandchildren referred to her) died peacefully, surrounded by family on November 3rd the day before her 95th birthday.
She was born on November 4th 1922, on Sec 22, Tp.23, Rge.30, W.1, MacNutt, Saskatchewan. She grew up on a farm with her parents and three siblings, Kay, Leslie and Bernice. She developed her strong work ethic, her wonderful cooking skills and a strong sense of the importance of family and community in those early days.
Florence married David Cross in 1946 and had three children Glen, Faye, and Cliff. They lived on the Cross family farm in Saskatchewan and moved to Chilliwack in 1962.
Mom pursued her profession as an school teacher enthusiastically, and began her teaching career in one room school houses in Saskatchewan. She continued teaching elementary education in Chilliwack until she retired in 1988 after teaching for 41 years. She loved children and her face would light up in the company of her grandchildren, great grandchildren and any other young person who had the good fortune to enjoy her kind, attentive manner.
Mom had many hobbies including ceramics, crocheting, knitting and her wine club. The latter she enjoyed with family and friends while engaged in a game of cribbage or canasta.
She had the pleasure of good health and lived independently enjoying her garden until the spring of this year. Gardening gave Mom a sense of joy. She was an active member of the Horticultural Club for many years. She was recognized several times for her green thumb and her beautiful flowers at horticultural events as well as competitions at the Chilliwack and Lynden fairs. Neighbours will remember her glorious gardens on Wellington Avenue.
Mom loved sports and played softball into her late sixties, and participated in alley and lawn bowling and curling into her eighties. She encouraged and supported all of her family members in their sporting activities and was an avid fan of the Blue Jays and of critiquing all curling on TV.
Mom and Dad enjoyed the RV life in their retirement and travelled with the grandkids around BC, and the Northwestern states.
Mom also travelled to Great Britain, China, Europe and many other ports of call.
Family was most important to Mom and was happiest when surrounded by her family and many friends. She loved her family meetings with Chinese Food.
Mom will be remembered for her sharp wit and ability to call it like it is. She had a contagious laugh that came easy and was a magnet for many friends.
Mom was a woman of faith and an active member of the St. Paul's Lutheran Church for over forty years.
She was pre-deceased by her husband David, grandson Garrett, and brother Leslie.
Mom will be dearly missed by her family; son Glen (Sue), daughter Faye Morrison (Skip), son Cliff (Michele), grandchildren; Jody (Chris), Brad (Christina), Keith (Tara), Ashley (Sean), Melissa (Forrest), Ian, Paul, and great grandchildren; Taylor, Michael, Brett, Ava, Greyson, Brynnley, Hailey, Hannah, Amity, Trey, Presley, and Kennedy and her sisters Kay McKinnon, Bernice Webster and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Maria Landry for her long time care of Mom, and her physician Dr. Bakker.
Her niece, Bonnie McLean was a tremendous support to Mom in her final days.
The Celebration of Life will be held at The Henderson's Funeral Home (45901 Victoria Ave, Chilliwack) on Friday, November 10th, at 11 AM, refreshments to follow.
The service will be officiated by Pastor Art McCaughan of Matsqui Evangelical Lutheran Church.