Florence Johanna Dares

DARES, Florence Johanna Dares (Ritchie) – Age 103, of Dartmouth passed away on October 18, 2022 in Dartmouth General Hospital. She was the only daughter of the late John and Jean Ritchie (Lamond) She was predeceased by her loving husband John (Jack) Dares.

Florence lived her entire life in Dartmouth, spending many of her early days paddling at Lake Banook and working at the Dartmouth Ferry Commission. In her younger years she was an active bowler as well as an accomplished trout fisher spending many hours fishing in Lake Charlotte with Jack and Robert. She also loved to travel making many trips in Canada and to the United States including a motorhome trip across North America with Jack and his cousins Sybil and Don Foreman. Florence loved music, and was a trained music teacher. For many years she taught piano in her home. She was a member of St. James United Church since 1933, serving as organist/choir director for a time and an active member of the United Church Women. Florence was a Charter Member of The Order of the Eastern Star where she made many lifelong friends who were with her to the end.

Florence is survived by her son Robert (Wendy), grandchildren Kevin, Kimberley (Jason) & Julia (Angela) and three great grandchildren as well as many cousins and friends throughout Canada, the United States and Scotland.

She loved her friends, her neighbourhood, and her wider community dearly and was fortunate to receive so much love in return.

The family wishes to extend its sincerest gratitude to the VON & CBI home support teams, her neighbourhood community who helped her in many ways remain independent, and most recently the patient care team at the Dartmouth General all of whom offered great support and love to Florence.

No visitation by request. An Eastern Star service with a memorial service to follow will be held Wednesday October 26th at 1:00 p.m. A. L. Mattatall Funeral Home, 217 Portland Street, Dartmouth, reception following the service, with a private family internment at Mt Hermon Cemetery following the service.

Family flowers only. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be viewed or sent to www.mattatallfuneralhome.com