Florence Jean Eger

Florence Jean Eger (nee Thompson) was born on the family farm on September 22, 1920. She was the second child born to Fred and Evelyn Thompson. Her mother was busy milking the cows when she decided there was soon to be a birth and she barely made it to the house on time.

Jean grew up on the farm with three siblings, older brother Angus, younger brother Alex and sister Olive. She spoke of travelling to school at Rock Mountain on horseback through blizzards and cold weather. Many a time in the spring the Poplar River would be too treacherous to cross for a young child. Later she attended High School in Coronach. She graduated at 17 years old but there was no money for courses as this was 1937—that year all the farmers got from their harvest was Russian Thistles.

Jean worked for Dr. Welsh in the drug store until 1942. During those years she was very fond of sports and her claim to fame was as the “FAN-EM FAST” pitcher of the girls softball team which enjoyed success for several years.

She then married Frank Eger in 1942 and they made their home in Coronach where Jean became a full-time homemaker and mother of four - Beverly born in 1943, Elaine 1944, Cynthia 1951 and Brian 1956.

Over the years, Jean became an excellent cook and we all enjoyed her soups, pies, buns, cream puffs and especially her ribs and sauerkraut, candied apples and cranberry salad.

Jean attended all her children and grandchildren’s activities whether it be sports, music, school events and never missed a birthday, anniversary, graduation or any other special occasion. In the summer grandma and grandpa were fans of the men’s fastball team—gallivanting all over to cheer them on. In winter they loved watching curling, hockey, playing cards and eventually heading south to Arizona to become Snowbirds.

They enjoyed many good times with family and friends in their home in Apache Junction. While down south, Jean enjoyed knitting, swimming, doing crafts, and Flea Marketing and let me tell you—“that car was loaded to the roof with treasures” when they came home in the spring. Jean was an avid Rough Rider fan for years—attending as far back as the 1950’s. Jean and Frank were also into square dancing—travelling far and wide and enjoyed themselves. Jean was a long time member of the United Church and the U.C.W. She was a member of the Royal Purple in Coronach. Jean was also a Past Matron in the “Order of the Eastern Star, Verwood Chapter” remaining an active member until her passing.

Frank and Jean moved into the South Winds Manor in 1987, down sizing but still enjoying playing cards, socializing and heading south for the winters. Frank passed away in 1999 but Jean still remained active and independent. She still supported and attended all community events and activities. In 2010, due to failing health she became a resident in the Coronach Health Centre. She was still able to enjoy all the activities provided at the Health Centre.

The family were fortunate to have the opportunity to help Jean celebrate her 90th Birthday in September which she really enjoyed.

Florence Jean passed away peacefully on February 24th, 2011 at the Coronach Health Centre.

Jean was predeceased by her husband Frank in 1999, parents Fred & Evelyn Thompson, daughter Cynthia in 1953, son Brian in 1987, brother Angus and brother-in-law Verne Pederson.

Jean is lovingly remembered by her family; daughters Beverly (Don) Noble of Moose Jaw and Elaine (Butch) Hicks of Medicine Hat and daughter-in-law Lois Eger (Darel Planz) of Coronach; 12 grandchildren: Murray Hicks, Brenda (Warren) Winter, Lori Dobrowolski, Denise (Daryl) Shewchuk, Rhonda (Perry) Anderson, Sherri (Darren) Mackie, Carla (Tim) Foley, Curtis Hicks, Craig Eger, Leanne (Kris) Dulle, Kristen (Brandon) Ireland and Lisa Eger (Dan Robinson); 23 great-grandchildren: Ryan Gillies, Jody (Jaison) Hobson, Derek Noble, Craig Anderson, Janelle (Nick) Chapman, Jeri Lee Winter, Brett Winter, Ian Hicks, Kyle Anderson, Eric Hicks, Danielle Shewchuk, Taylor Mackie, Catlin Foley, Garrett Foley, Dvonne Shewchuk, Preston Foley, Dakota Foley, Jaiden Cobb, Hunter Mackie, Sommer Foley, Lucas Dulle and Logan Dulle; two great-great-granddaughters: Avienn Winter and Morgan Hobson. Jean is also survived by her brother Alex (Magda) Thompson, sister Olive Pederson, sisters-in-law Kae Thompson, Emma Cameron, Eileen Clark and Elaine Eger as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

At this time we would like to give special thanks to the staff of the Coronach Health Centre for their compassionate care and also family and friends who took time to visit and call.