Stewart, Florence “Fluffy” Irene, of Strathmore, Beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, passed away in Strathmore on August 28, 2015 at the age of 90 years.
Florence grew up in Manyberries and went to school there, arriving either on horseback or walking two and a half miles. She said she could ride a horse and swim before she could walk. In 1941 she moved into the dorm at Rosemary to take her high schooling. She loved her life in Manyberries, mostly because she loved her grand-father so much. She would go to his house and not go home until her parents insisted. In grade 12 she moved to Champion where she met her husband. They met at the train station which was apparently the Saturday night hang-out. They married in 1944 and in 1946 the first of their 9 children was born.
In about 1952 they moved to Calgary and then in 1961 moved to Okotoks. They later moved to Aldersyde and finally settled in High River. After her husband’s passing Florence moved to Strathmore to live in the in-law suite at her eldest daughter’s.
Florence had a tough life raising 8 kids on little money, in a house with no indoor plumbing, no running water, and cooking on a coal stove when in Okotoks. She was creative at finding ways to make or save money, even to selling loam which she shovelled on and off by hand. She could throw bales into the hay loft with the best of them. After her husband’s accident she even took over running the trucking company. Florence always had a large garden and raised animals for feeding the family (most of which became pets). She sewed late into the night so her girls could have nice clothes. Her Sunday dinners almost always included friends, relatives, or someone who was staying at her place while down on their luck. Chicken and lots of fresh vegetables were almost always the menu on Sundays. She continued having Sunday dinners as often as possible until age made it too difficult. She loved having her children and grandchildren for meals.
Florence got to enjoy some free time once her children were grown and she took art lessons, bowled, golfed and took a couple of cruises. Most of these activities she shared with her sister Lavina and they weren’t the same for her after Lavina passed so she eventually settled for crib. She played at the Strathmore Legion every Thursday night and most Saturdays for many years. She was also a member of the Seniors Club.
Her declining health this past two years were difficult for her as she was eventually completely immobile. She was ready to leave this earthly life and her family are comforted by the fact that she no longer suffers.
She is survived by her 7 daughters and 1 son, Sharon Herr (Albert), Terry Stewart (Dagmar) Susan Doble, Irene Bastian (Paul), Ruby Burkosky (Brian) Dixie Stewart, Sandy Chrapko (Ivan), and Wendy Davidson. Florence is also survived by her brothers-in-law, Bruce Stewart (Mona), Charles Stewart, and Sev Pasoli. She is also survived by 20 plus grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Florence was predeceased by her infant daughter, Trudy Gay, her husband, Gordon (Sonny) Stewart, her parents, Earl and Elsie House, her mother and father in-law Elva and Gordon Stewart, her sisters Laura Palmer and Lavina Jensen, as well as all but one of her sisters-in law.
The Memorial Service will be held September 6, 2015 at the Strathmore Legion at 12 pm. with inurnment to follow at 4:00 pm at the Champion cemetery where she will rest with her infant daughter and husband.
Thanks to the staff at Sagewood Community Centre in Strathmore who appreciated Florence’s sense of humour and who were so kind to her this past two years. Also thanks to Dr. Alison Clarke for her continuing care.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.