It is with great sadness that the family of Florence “Floss” MacKinnon announce her passing on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at the age of 93. Floss was a caring and generous wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister and friend.
Mom was born in Ingonish, N.S. in 1931 to Hayden and Sadie (Hardy) Roberts. She married George MacKinnon in 1952 and they began growing their family shortly after. Mom was a woman of many passions including baking, cross stitching, skiing, playing games, gardening, devoting much of her time to her children and later on in life, her grandchildren.
In Mom’s younger years she stayed busy by raising children, working at various locations including the Keltic Lodge, the Glenghorm and the Brookside, volunteering for the Ingonish Fire Department, cooking meals and tracking down bingo halls.
She did not slow down in her senior years as she continued to cross country ski into her late 70s, learned to play pool at 90 years old, overcame her fear of heights by riding Atlantic Canada’s first gondola and traveling out of the country.
Mom had a competitive side and loved the challenge of playing games. She took great delight in trying to skunk her special daughter-in-law, Moira, in a game of crib, whether she had to cheat or not. Mom could be seen in her yard becoming the washer toss tournament champion, sitting at her table playing 45s, radio bingo, sequence, or any game that she could win at. She always had fun hitting the slots at the casinos with her friends. Floss and her lifelong friend Shirley still continued to partake in a little friendly competition while playing cards. Special thanks to Susie, who was like a daughter, for always being up for a game of cards or starting a puzzle with Mom.
Mom loved spending time with her family more than anything. She was extremely proud of each and everyone of her children and grandchildren and she loved them all to the moon and back.
Mom was always worried about them being cold or hungry and she would never let anyone leave her house until they had something to eat or a cup of tea to drink. She was famous for asking “did you eat something dear”, and then still making them eat even if they were full. Mom loved her desserts, as she always had room for something sweet and could eat desserts for every meal.
Throughout her very memorable life, Mom touched the lives of everyone who knew her and she left an impact on her family and friends that will last a lifetime. She was like a mother to many and known as “Nanny Floss” to a great number of others in the community.
Mom was the heart of her large family. Her final days were spent surrounded by family who loved her deeply. Floss will be lovingly remembered by her children, Barry, Frank (Nancy), Dick (Moira), Bobby (Mia), Doris (Kendall), Gordon (Margie) and Cindy; grandchildren, Shawn, Sheldon, Julie, Chad, Richard, Becky, Jenna, Mathew, Jessica, Andrew, Olivia and Emily; great-grandchildren, Bradley, Kylie, Sawyer, Kacey and Larkyn Florence; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Floss was predeceased by her husband, George; two sons, Wayne and infant son, Barry; grandson-in-law, Clayton; father, Hayden; mother, Sadie; brothers, Everett, Simon, Elmer, Richard and John; sisters, Eliza, Dinah and Doris.
Thank you to the palliative care team and to the staff at Buchanan Memorial hospital who gave great care and comfort to Mom. A Mass of celebration will take place at 11am on Friday, April 26 at St. Peter's Church, Ingonish with Fr. Jonas officiating. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.fillmoreandwhitman.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ingonish Fire Department or the Canadian Cancer society.
