 My Grandma was born in the USA on June 6, 1905 and came to Canada as a child. When she grew up she became a school teacher and always loved educating and being around children. Once she married (Hugh) she was a house wife and loving mother to 3 children, 2 two sons (Jim and Don) and 1 daughter (my mother Marjorie). Through the years Florence would tutor students from the local school. One boy specifically attributes his success to her, as he was unable to read well until he received the help she offered him. The boys joined the military and while Marjorie was in high school grandma started a Kindergarten in the basement of her Devon home, in central Alberta. This was in the 1950's when Kindergartens didn't exist yet. The school principal thought this was a great idea and would sneak her supplies. Grandma widowed young at 54. Just a few months before her youngest was married. It would prove to be the start of a new life for this loving and giving woman. She was always so full of life, and this would just be a new step in hers. In the 1960's Florence moved to BC and worked in an orphanage. What better place for her to spread her love, compassion and knowledge to so many that could use it at a difficult time in their lives. Later on she met a nurse (Mari-Helene), and she became a nanny for her family, and this developed into a life long friendship with them. Mari-Helene became like a second daughter, caring for my grandmother when she got older, welcoming our family when we came to visit and we accepted her as well. My grandmother was one of those souls that touched everyone she came into contact with. She had a light about her that you could never forget and it shined bright right until she passed at the age 89 in Edmonton. ~ Charlotte Blackwell
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