Flora Jean Denoncourt (née Sullivan)

Flora, the eldest of six children, was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick, the daughter of Richard Sullivan (born in Minto, whose family emigrated from Ireland) and Jeannie Whyte Hunter of Scotland, on March 23, 1935. Predeceased by her brother Richard and sisters Jane and Agnes, she is survived by her sisters Janet and Joan.

An intelligent, industrious young girl with an indefatigable work ethic, she helped the family run a boarding house for students at the nearby University of New Brunswick, sold dresses at the local Zeller’s store, and played on the high school basketball team while excelling academically. She left Fredericton to pursue her education in nursing at St. Mary’s Hospital in Montréal. After graduating in 1956, she began her life as a jet-setter with Trans-Canada Air Lines at the birth of commercial aviation, when working as a flight attendant required a nursing degree. As such, she traveled widely around the world, with memorable trips with her mother to Italy, Capri and Hawaii.

Living with several other young flight attendants in Westmount, they were a popular group with many aspiring suitors constantly calling. The lucky one was a young civil engineer and accomplished athlete from Montreal, Réjean Denoncourt, who successfully courted Flora. They were married on February 8, 1964, a union that eventually lasted over 60 years. Upon her passing, her husband said without hesitation, “She was the best wife I could have ever had.”

Together they successfully raised four children: Janice, Julie, Raymond and Réjean.

As a devoted mother, she managed a busy household, selflessly ensuring her children were well taken care of and had the best education possible.

Flora furthered her nursing education at the University of Ottawa, returned to flying with Nordair part-time, worked at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, with her final post as a Director of the Catherine Booth Hospital.

She will be remembered as a disciplined woman who worked tirelessly for her family, always putting the needs of others first. Finally, when the work was done, she always savored a cup of Red Rose hot tea, one of the few pleasures she granted herself. All that knew her will miss her.

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the entire team at Résidence Resam, whom provided her with care and support, the Lakeshore General Hospital and CLSC West Island.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 13, at 1 pm at St. Edmund of Canterbury Parish, 105 Beaconsfield Blvd, Beaconsfield. A reception will follow at the family residence at 432 Beaurepaire Dr., Beaconsfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Lakeshore General Hospital Foundation are welcome.

https://fondationlakeshore.ca/donate/