Florence Irene Calland
1937 ~ 2011
Florence Irene Calland was born on August 10, 1937 to Alfred and Grace Coneybeare on Aunt and Uncle’s farm near Rimbey, Alberta. She lived and went to school in Sylvan Lake, Black Diamond, Leduc and Kamloops. Florence graduated in 1954 and went on to St. Ann’s Academy for commercial courses. She worked at the Royal Bank as a steno for 3 years. This is where she met her husband, Bruce. They got engaged and Bruce was transferred to Vancouver. Florence followed and they were
married on May 7, 1960.
They lived in Vancouver for 3 years as newly-weds, but then bought a house in Maple Ridge, BC while there, Florence worked at the elementary school’s office. They also adopted Bryan and Kevin while living in Maple Ridge. The family lived there for 13 years before moving to Dawson Creek in 1977.
It was in 1980 when Bruce and Florence purchased a quarter section of land in Doe River and built a house along with many other buildings over the years. They were very proud of their “hobby farm” and did many things with it, including raising Highland Cattle.
Florence worked at the Ministry of Highways in Dawson Creek for many years and made many life-long friendships with co-workers before retiring in 1997. In retirement she enjoyed her family and life with her soul-mate, Bruce. She had many hobbies from gardening to crafts with wood.
She was a very talented lady.
Florence was a kind person with a caring heart. She was a generous friend, devoted wife, loving daughter, supportive sister, inspirational mother and patient grandmother. On May 7, 2010 Bruce and Florence celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with both sons and their families. It was a fantastic weekend with wonderful meals, memories and pictures! Their love for one another was clearly evident right up until their final day together, September 12, 2011 when Bruce passed away in a car accident.
Florence lost her 5-year battle with cancer on November 15, 2011. She was stoic, composed and full of grace in the face of tragedy and disappointment. She taught us all how to grieve with dignity.
Florence knew there are disappointments in life and that also in life we will have the death of those close to our hearts. She showed us all how important it is to face these situations... these disappointments... and how we pick ourselves back up and where we go from here.
Florence and Bruce lived a great love story and even though they are now both gone, they are together and a new chapter is being written. This is what gives their family peace and comfort.
God Bless you, Mom, we love you.
Florence was cremated and a Celebration of Life Service was held Saturday, November 19, 2011 at the Rolla Community Hall, Rolla, British Columbia; officiated by Peggy Bergeron.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Florence, may be made by way of a donation to the
‘Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’
637 - 114 Avenue, Dawson Creek, British Columbia V1G 3A1
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