Florence Caroline Zinck

The story goes that when Florence Caroline Zinck (née Steel) entered the world, the church bells were ringing, and she was laughing. From her first day to her last, she brought good humour, beauty, and music wherever she went. It is with great sadness, therefore, that her family announce her passing at the Halifax Hospice on Tuesday August 16, 2022. Florence will be remembered for her warm heart and quick wit, for the many friends she knew and loved, the stories she told, songs she sang, and for her great sense of style.

Florence was born the fourth child of eight to Marie Louise Juteau and Horace Edward (Bob) Steel. The Steel home on Almon Street was modest, but full of warmth and welcome. It was a rare night when the dinner table did not include at least one guest, or when the extra bed in the hallway was empty. Florence cherished the memories of her first home, and sisters Ivy, Shirley, Kay, Veronica, Beatrice, Bobbie and brother John were her first and best friends. Florence told stories about her growing up years throughout her life. Clothing swaps among siblings --some authorized, some not-- were a regular occurrence. A gorgeous Christmas tree surrounded by beautifully wrapped parcels appeared as if by magic between bedtime on Christmas eve and early Christmas morning throughout Florence’s childhood. Elder sisters Ivy and Shirley were the magicians who made the day special. Each week her mom would make homemade French fries, a coveted treat. Her hungry brother John would bargain for early servings from his sisters with the empty promise “I’ll pay you back.” His sisters got him back by borrowing his shirts.

Although she was a good student, Florence told more stories about high school high jinks than about her earnest scholarly efforts at St. Patrick’s. Hecky (Helen Whitemore), Ducky (Bernadette Norman) and Joyce Graitson (née Moore) were treasured pals. The girls of St. Pat’s wore a uniform, and Florence always considered that a mercy. Until she began working at Gilkie’s Shoe Store on Gottingen Street at age 13, her taste in fashion exceeded her budget. Once she was able to build a wardrobe, the priority was attire for the weekly dances at the YWCA. Florence was discerning in her choices and always frugal. She loved a good sale.

After completing secretarial training at the Halifax Vocational School Florence began work as a civilian with the Canadian Armed Forces, Maritime Air Command. A tall, vivacious blond with a beautiful singing voice, she caught the attention of a young serviceman named Dexter Zinck. The two shared a love of music, dance, and adventure. Dexter was sure she was “the one” from the start, but Florence gave the match full consideration. He was only slightly taller than she: could she be happy wearing low heels forever? She decided she could. Also, Dexter was dapper in his well-pressed uniform and spit-shined shoes, but he cared more about cars and cameras than clothes. His civilian wardrobe would need work. Was she up for the challenge? She decided she was.

Dexter and Florence married on August 12, 1957 and were inseparable ever after. They took a posting overseas and made the most of their time in France, Germany, and Italy. Mid-century Europe became a backdrop for Dexter’s photos of his muse. He took hundreds of shots worthy of a Vogue Magazine cover: Florence in a polka dot bikini on the French Riviera (yes, really). Florence in ski attire in the Swiss Alps. Florence in a tasteful trench coat, silk scarf tied beneath her chin as she poses by the iron gates surrounding Whitehall, London. They shared their travel adventures with wonderful people. The Higdons, MacDonalds, and MacClellands remained close friends all their lives, and time spent with their beloved French landlords, M and Mme Lehmel, remained treasured memory to the end.

Friends and family, especially children, were Florence’s world. She loved being a godmother and an aunt, and she yearned for children of her own. Two daughters, Arlette and Kelly Anne, joined the family on March 28th in 1963 and 1965. She made the coincidence of a shared birthday a joyful annual event for her girls. Double the festivities! Double the cake! Vanilla for Arlette, and chocolate for Kelly Anne. She dressed her daughters in matching outfits when they let her get away with it, and then joyfully passed clothes on to others. Even the children’s toys were kept in style. Florence stayed up late many a Christmas eve, lovingly hand stitching clothes for Barbies and teddy bears.

The family returned to Canada in 1970 after a second tour in Europe and stayed a few years in Ottawa before their final move to Bedford, Nova Scotia in 1976. Florence joined the Nova Scotia Department of Public Works where she provided secretarial support for Deputy Minister Don Power and his young engineer, John O’Connor. The years spent at the Camp Hill Hospital construction site were among the happiest of her career. The only thing Florence enjoyed more than her job was her grandchildren. When the last of five arrived, she cleared her calendar.

Saint Ignatius Parish was her second home in Bedford. She sang in the choir for over 30 years, and Dexter often accompanied on guitar. She also organized events (including a few fashion shows) with the many wonderful ladies of the Bedford Catholic Women’s League. Her many CWL friends were her joy and her strength, especially during her last years. A pandemic is extra tough on a social extrovert, and both Florence and Dexter’s social isolation was coupled with serious illness. In 2020 Dexter was diagnosed with a terminal neurological condition and Florence was diagnosed with cancer. Florence beat cancer in the first round. She cheerfully welcomed 10 sessions of chemotherapy as an opportunity for social engagement, especially since goddaughter and niece, Troy Marshall, and her dear friend, Anne Pothier, volunteered to drive her to the appointments. Troy, Anne, Brenda Pate, Sylvia Millet, Danielle Hessian, Dean Brown, Della Aucoin, Marina Collier, Maureen Forgeron, and many other cherished friends were ministering angels throughout that difficult time. They baked breads, brought meals, and made to-home deliveries of whatever was needed or might bring a smile. Meanwhile, her sisters and sisters-in-law kept up her spirits with phone visits. Florence rang the bell to celebrate the verdict of “cancer free” the following spring. But when Dexter died in January of 2022, Florence soon declined. Cancer returned in May.

The team from Comfort Keepers, Bedford provided care for Dexter, but they were a godsend to Florence too. Michelle, Deborah, Gerry, Joyce, and Paru, you are family. Florence loved you dearly. To the coffee klatch at 76 Armenia Drive, thank you for your friendship, especially