Mrs. Florence Wilcox

November 4, 1937 - November 23, 2010.

With deep sadness and heavy hearts, Flo‘s family wish to announce her passing on November 23, 2010 at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital after a short, but COURAGEOUS battle with Cancer at the age of 73. She was surrounded by the love of family and close friends.

She leaves to mourn Jim, her husband of 28 years, daughters, Mona Stone (Chris) Shelly Kohut (Tom), grandchildren Ronald Stone, Shannon Jonasson, Jennifer Wilson and Edward Wilson, step granddaughters Robyn and Charlotte McDonald and great-grandchildren Junior Stone, Darrell, Jonathon and Dalton Jonasson.

Also survived by 4 stepsons that were affectionately known by Mom as “her boys”. They are Larry (Arlene), Ken, Al (Nancy) and Brent (Fran), grandchildren, Stephen, Shawn, Lyndsay, Rachelle, Adam, Travis, Timothy, Amber, Rylan, and 2 great grandchildren, Riley and Jaelyn, also step grandson, Fernando.

Also survived by sisters Phyllis Kienas, Kate (Barry) Burke, and special sister in law and friend, Gertie Zorn., brothers in law Doug (Martha), Bob (Bev), sisters in law Pauline Switzer (Larry), Marge Stevenson, and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Mom also wanted a special acknowledgement for her closest and most dear friends, Pat Konaby, Jan Olsen-Toth, Grace Krewaz and the late Ollie Ericson.

Flo was preceased by her parents William and Mary Zorn, son Richard John Kohut, 6 brothers, Phillip, Jacob, Chris, Henry, Walter, Louis and one sister Edna.

Flo was born and raised on the farmstead in Oakshella, Saskatchewan and was the youngest of 10 children. At the tender age of 16, she had her first full time job as a nurse’s aid at the Grenfell Hospital. Florence married and moved to Kenora in 1958, where they raised their 3 children and provided a loving foster home for over 30 foster children over many years. Her work outside the home in later years, included waitressing jobs, and store clerk at Hinton’s Men’s and Boy’s Wear.

Although proud of all of her children, her grandchildren and great grandchildren, were “Gramma Flo’s” greatest pride and joy.

Flo met Jim in 1978 and were married on July 17, 1982. Together, they enjoyed their trips out west to Saskatchewan, fishing on the Winnipeg River, and especially enjoyed their trips to Chris and Mona’s where Flo loved spending time outside visiting with the Miniature Horses, and especially loved the foals each Spring.

Flo’s other interests included playing Bingo, casino trips with both friends and family. In the past, she loved doing her needle work, but in later years, arthritis prevented her from continuing with this hobby. Flo was an avid dart player and member of the Kenora Legion for many years, and a past member of the Keewatin Legion prior to that. She had a special love of all animals, but she especially cherished their past little longcoat Chihuahua “Peerie”, and present companion “Brandi” who will now greatly miss her “Mom“.

We would like to extend our most sincere thanks to Dr. Vaudrey for his kind and compassionate care, the nursing staff on 3 East, and with a special thank you to nurses Charlene, Stacey and Cheryl in assuring Mom was kept as comfortable as possible during her final days and for going that extra mile with their care and compassion, not only for Mom, but for her family as well, during this difficult time. Thanks also to Jan of Palliative Care for her special support and guidance, it was greatly appreciated.

The Memorial Service will take place at the Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 11:00 am with luncheon to follow at the Knox United Church. Private family interment to be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com

Arrangements under the direction of Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, Kenora, ON.