Florence Mary Spears

Florence was born January 1st, 1940, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Roy and Mary Casey. She was predeceased by her parents, husband, James Spears; her life partner, Bill Manuel; her daughter, Sandra Spears; and her brothers Warner, Peter, and Roy Jr. Casey and sister Jane Healy.

She is survived by her loving son, Jimmy Spears; her siblings, Robert Casey and Marjorie Smith; her grandchildren, Candace Muir (Josh Muir), Christopher Spears, Laiden Spears, Courtney MacKay (Kris Hardy), Brock and Connor Spears, Andre Comeau, Jace and Josh Beaver; and her much-loved great-grandchildren, Addyson and Hunter, who lovingly called her “GG.”

Florence worked for many years with MT&T, or as she would always call it, “the telephone company,” before retiring. During her years there, she served as a shop steward, a role that suited her well. Florence was never afraid to speak up, stand her ground, or look out for the people around her.

She spent much of her life in the service of others. If someone needed help, Florence was there. For her family, she was more than a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a safe place. She was someone you could turn to, someone who would show up, and someone who made sure you knew you were loved.

Being loved by Nanny also meant the everyday things that became some of the best memories: lunchtime sandwiches at Point Pleasant Park, drives with Shania Twain playing in the car, and her ever-present “just in case” bag. Nanny rarely went anywhere without it, packed with whatever might be needed, just in case. It was a small thing that perfectly captured how she cared for people: always prepared, always thinking ahead, and always making sure everyone around her was cared for.

There were traditions and words of wisdom too. A new purse or wallet was never complete without a penny tucked inside for good luck, and you always knew to “keep your back up against the wall.”

Florence was feisty, full of energy, and never short on personality. In her younger years, she played softball and was known as “Skinny Casey.” That strength, determination, and unmistakable spark stayed with her throughout her life.

To her grandchildren, she was simply the best Nanny. To Addyson and Hunter, she was their special Nanny GG. Not every child gets the gift of knowing their great-grandmother, and they were fortunate to experience her love, her stories, her traditions, and that unmistakable Nanny spirit firsthand.

She loved fiercely, gave generously, and created a place of comfort, safety, and belonging for the people fortunate enough to be hers. Florence leaves behind a lifetime of stories, lessons, laughter, and love. Her family will carry those pieces of her with them, in a Shania Twain song coming through the speakers, a sandwich packed for the park, a penny tucked into a new wallet, a “just in case” bag packed before heading out the door, and the knowledge that they were deeply loved by one very special, very spirited woman.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on Wednesday August 5th from 6-8pm at JA Snow Funeral Home.