Florence Mabel Ryder

She was predeceased by husband David (2013), granddaughter Tarri Pederson (1996), son-in-law Norman Gossett (2019), grandson in-law Bert Hucke (2023), and her four siblings Ronald Wiley, Mervin Wiley, Kenneth Wiley, and June Webster. She will be sorely missed by her children, Marilyn Gossett, Bryan Ryder (Barb), and Wayne Ryder; three grandchildren, Tracey Jessey (Dave), Tricia Stiles (John), Kelli Hucke, and grandson in-law Danny Pederson; and five great grandchildren, Maddison Armit (Brent), Brittany Dayment (Corbin), Brayden Beckley, Tarri Jessey, and Brooklyn Stiles.

Florence was born in Franklin, Manitoba and right from the minute, the world gained an incredible human. She had a pleasant upbringing from her parents Etta and Edwin Wiley, and with her four siblings. After she graduated from high school in Portage La Prairie, Florence got a job at the dry cleaners, tailoring and altering clothes, mostly for Air Force uniforms. Soon after, she met the love of her life Dave Ryder. Florence and Dave got married on January 25, 1942 during World War II, where Florence continued to be a seamstress and Dave carried on his career in the Air Force as an aircraft mechanic.

Florence and Dave had three beautiful children (Marilyn, Bryan, and Wayne). Florence took on the role of being a homemaker and creating special memories for those around her. As the family moved around in Canada and their kids began to build their own lives, Florence and Dave moved out to Kelowna, British Columbia in retirement (1972).

She then found herself seeking an interest in knitting and sewing and volunteered over forty years to the Kelowna General Hospital, knitting over five-hundred sweaters for the gift shop. Florence was always inclined towards helping others and took honour in how she supported the hospital.

Once grandchildren arrived, Florence particularly enjoyed watching the grandchildren excel in school, sports, and many other things. She also took great pride in ensuring each grandchild received their own unique, hand-knit sweater on Christmas and other special occasions. Her talent and passion for knitting was unmatched. She was also particularly talented at making sure each family member received a handwritten card in the mail on their exact birthdate.

She moved into Lakeshore Place Senior Residence in 2013, after the passing of her husband David, where she made special friendships and found more activities to fill her day. Throughout the entire one-hundred and two years of Florence’s life, she gave worthy advice to others and shaped an unforgettable life, leaving an immense impact on anyone she met. Florence will forever be an inspiration to her family and will be remembered as a strong, magnificent woman.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the Lakeshore staff, her home care team, and her doctor David Goldberg, as they provided excellent and lovable care for Florence during her time there.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Kelowna General Hospital Gift Shop or a charity of choice.

A private celebration of life will be on April 20, 2024, in Kelowna BC.

Arrangements made by First Memorial Funeral Services, 1211 Sutherland Ave Kelowna

BC V1Y 5Y2