Obituary of Florence Victoria Burns

BURNS, Florence Victoria (nee Barrett) August 27, 1919 - March 20, 2017. Peacefully passed away at Union Villa on Monday, March 20, 2017 in her 98th year. Florence was born in Lower L’Ardoise on Cape Breton Island. She along with her sister Margaret and Kay and brothers Walter and Joe grew up in a close knit family and community. Florence moved to Halifax in 1934. She worked as an admitting clerk in the hospital and also at a wool shop. The family had raised sheep on the farm and spinning wool and knitting had always been a big part in her life. Florence was a highly skilled knitter. She once knit a beautiful suit. She knit sweaters for the whole family and countless pairs of mittens and socks. She met William Burns (d.2001) in Halifax during WWII and they married in 1948. They moved to Hamilton and later settled in Stoney Creek, where she lived for nearly 60 years. Her sister Kay also lived in Hamilton, so they were able to stay close and raise their families together. At eighty-nine, Florence moved from her Stoney Creek home to Rouge Valley Retirement Residence in Markham, where she made many new friends and enjoyed the local gardens while walking in the neighbourhood. Family and faith were of great importance to Florence. She and Bill were original parishioners of St. Francis Xavier Church in Stoney Creek. They were proud to be a part of the community that built the church that still serves the parish today. Florence was an avid gardener and grew beautiful roses at the family home on Galbraith Drive. Her gardens were a source of joy for Florence. She was always quick to divide and share plants with family and friends. Florence found many many ways to contribute to her community throughout her long life. She had a special interest in helping the elderly and those in need. She was predeceased by her loving husband Bill, her son Peter (Jane), her infant daughter Mary, her two sisters and one brother. She will be remembered by her brother Joe Barrett (Bertina), son Bill Burns (Janey) and daughters Paulette Burns (Antone) and Michelle Tidball (John) as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Friends will be received at the Donald V. Brown Funeral Home, 36 Lake Avenue Drive, Stoney Creek on Thursday, March 23, 2017 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. where Funeral Service will be held in the Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, March 24, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Burlington. In order to help others receive the same wonderful care that Florence had during the past three years, donations to Union Villa in Markham would be appreciated by the family in lieu of flowers. Online condolences may be sent at www.donaldvbrown.ca