FLORENCE ELAINE WHITMORE
With heavy hearts, we share the peaceful passing of Florence Whitmore (née Potter) on Monday, June 20, 2022.
Florence will be forever missed by Donald, her loving husband of nearly 62 years; her children David (Wendy), Nancy (Brian Hasegawa), Beth Spriggs (Bob), Donna Sutherland (Eric); her 13 grandchildren Ellen (Tobias), Kelly (Orion), Lauren (Stephen), Sarah (Steven), Byron (Cass), Lindsay, Megan, Ashleigh, Kate, Claire, Andrea, Erin, Erica; her 6 great-grandchildren, Max, Vienna, Kit, Ryet, June, and Ace; her brothers Murray (Marj), Ron, and Cliff (Elaine); Don’s sister and brothers, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many wonderful friends.
Florence was born in Springhill, MB on February 23, 1937, the first child of Alex and Ev (Baker) Potter. She grew up on the family farm with her brothers. After graduating from Neepawa Collegiate, she attended Manitoba Normal School and obtained her teaching certificate in 1956. She married her high school sweetheart, Don, on August 20, 1960. Don and Florence lived in London, Winnipeg, Port Arthur and Brandon, before settling in Winnipeg at the famous “80 King’s” home in 1969 where their four children grew up. As the youngest became a teenager, Mom returned to the workforce and supported the family business, Vector Construction, by being its payroll manager until her retirement in 2002.
Florence was an avid gardener, a ‘prepared’ Girl Guide leader, a keen bridge player, a talented baker, an incredible hostess, and an adventurous traveler. Many fond memories were made with road trips in the trusty station wagon, month-long adventures to Hawaii, Arizona, and overseas experiences in Europe, Asia, and Australia. At home, Florence was a huge supporter of all things Winnipeg, including its arts (RWB, WSO, MTC, PTE) and sports (Jets, Bombers, Goldeyes). Most of all, she was a devoted mother and engaged grandma, teaching and supporting the individual interests of every child.
In her later years, despite health challenges, Florence persevered and lived as independently and dynamically as possible including a continued passion for travel until the pandemic cancelled a planned trip to Phoenix in early 2020. In April 2018, she and Don made the difficult decision to leave their treasured family home of nearly 50 years for Brightwater Senior Living of Tuxedo where she received the very best supportive and compassionate care.
Funeral service to be held on Tuesday, June 28th at 2:00 pm Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard and will be live streamed on YouTube link https://youtu.be/CHPABJevaz8
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, C1026-409 Taché Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2A6 or Royal Winnipeg Ballet, 380 Graham Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4K2.
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