Florence Ching Nelson

On May 12, 2012 Florence Nelson at the age of 92 passed on peacefully at the Coronach Health Centre. Her sister Beatrice Nelson and a dear friend Lorraine Powell were at her side. She had just moved into the Centre Feb 3, 2012 – until then Florence lived in her own house.

Florence leaves to celebrate her life, daughter Judy (Randy) Townsend, sons Gordon (Sharon) and Roger (Donna); 7 grandchildren: Burley, Scott, Terri, Ranita, Carrie, Sean & Levon; 13 great-grandchildren and 1 great- great- grandson, one sister Beatrice Nelson, sister-in-law Joyce Nelson and brother-in-law Harold Siggelkow, as well as many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Anne & Harry Ching, life partner George Nelson, infant daughter Charlotte Faye, sisters Dorothy Millar, Marjorie Franklin, Vivian Schindle, Patricia Siggelkow, one sister-in-law and many brothers- in-law.

Jennie Matilda “Florence” was born on February 6, 1920 at the Ching farm, five miles NW of Coronach, the second oldest of 6 girls born to Annie & Harry Ching.

In high school, Florence took an art course by correspondence and to afford the courses she worked cleaning houses or pin-curling hair for Coronach ladies – this was all put on the back burner when she married George Nelson, her life partner, on August 4, 1940. Together they raised three children, Judy, Gordon and Roger. They celebrated 65½ years together before George passed away.

Florence enjoyed crafts of all sorts, sewing, quilting, needle work and most of all painting beautiful pictures and china dishes. Painting was her passion – her works of art are displayed in many homes in Canada and the US. We are very fortunate to have so many remembrances of her to cherish in the years to come.

Florence taught painting classes here and in her winter home in Arizona, passing on her talent to anyone who wanted to give it a try. While staying the last few winters with Judy & Randy in Calgary, she has shared her love of china painting with Judy. Together they painted two urns, the one here in which Florence now rests – Judy hopes to have a few more years before she uses the one they painted for her.

Judy, Gordon and Roger have many fond memories of their Mom & Dad – curling, square dancing, dinner parties and card playing. Florence operated a successful hair salon in her porch. At about the same time she and George became involved in attending, teaching and calling square dancing in a number of communities – sometimes 3 and 4 times a week. Card games, parties and family gatherings were important to Florence – ANY EXCUSE FOR A PARTY OR FAMILY GATHERING. She was always baking: buns, cakes, and casseroles – the kids never knew if they were allowed to eat it or if it was destined to a bake sale, funeral lunch or a friends’ home.

Around 1965 ”snowbirding” was becoming the thing to do to avoid the cold winters. Florence & George spent 40 winters in Arizona, enjoying retired life, crafts, dancing and making many wonderful friends that they seemed to spend the summers visiting. Traveling many different routes, they saw a lot of the country both in Canada and the US. Many scenes have been captured in her oil paintings.

Florence enjoyed her grandchildren, having them come in the summer to spend time at her home. The grandkids would send her paper snowflakes to hang in the windows in her Arizona home because poor Grandma didn’t have any snow. For many years on Thanksgiving weekend they celebrated Grandma Nelson Christmas, with a Christmas tree and all the trimmings so Grandma could enjoy their excitement as they unwrapped their gifts. The grand kids often had a problem explaining to their teachers and friends that this is NOT Thanksgiving it is CHRISTMAS—“GRANDMA NELSON CHRISTMAS”.

Florence worked as a hairdresser for many years, sometimes the young girls thought her ideas were rather stuffy but she seemed to send them away feeling good about what she had done. The mature ladies were always on guard that she would do it the way she thought it should be done rather than the way they wanted.

Florence’s nieces and nephews remember things like why does she make us eat margarine but she can have money for a boat. Everything in her home was clean and shining and you better not make a mess, slam the doors, eat in the living room, or leave your shoes in front of the doorway. They got their seats warmed especially if they wrote on her walls with crayon, just ask Dennis. Oh, how things changed when she got to be a Grandma, the finger marks on the mirrors and windows stayed in place for days after the grandchildren had gone home.

Of the six Ching girls, Florence was the housecleaner; she was not the cook, chore girl or the gardener, as I am sure Beatrice would attest to. Beatrice has often said it was a good thing that George liked macaroni and tomatoes, as that was about all she could cook for the first few years.

To her younger sisters she was a source of guidance and information, you always knew where you stood with her and if there was any doubt she would quickly put you straight. Her favorite saying when she was disgusted was JUDAS PRIEST. You always hoped this was not directed at you.

Florence loved all friends and family and treasured the many laughs and happy times shared with all of you. “Thank you” for sharing in this celebration of the life of Florence (Ching) Nelson.

Funeral Service was held at the Coronach United Church on May 24, 2012. Reverend Ian Kellogg officiated. Urn Bearer was son, Roger. The tribute was read by Harold Siggelkow. Music ministry was led by Linda Poirier and Reverend Kellogg. Processional – “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain” (Statler Brothers), Linda Poirier – “Go Rest High On That Mountain”, Recessional – “Far Side Banks Of Jordan” (Statler Brothers). Interment followed at the Coronach Cemetery. Lunch and fellowship was held at the Elks Hall. Donations in Memory of Florence can be made to the Coronach United Church or the Coronach Health Centre & Trust Committee. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, Sask.

Florence’s family thank you for your friendship and support. Also a special thank-you to the Staff and residence of CHC for their very personal care and kindness shown to our Mom.