9 Sep 2016
Smith, Florence Teresa, 90, formerly of Sylvan Valley and Whidden’s Park and lately the R. K. MacDonald Nursing Home, passed away on September 09, 2016 at the nursing home surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Morar, Antigonish Co., she was a daughter of the late Alex and Sarah (MacKinnon) Gillis. One of 11 children, Florence was a woman of determination and strength, who was filled with an endless amount of love for her family and a willingness to help anyone.
She could never get enough of her 16 grandchildren, and was rewarded with a love and respect that was a delight to see. She loved to quilt, knit, and her jams, biscuits and rolls were always a big hit. One of her favorite past times was playing cards including Cribbage, Auction, 45’s and Bridge. It wasn’t uncommon to hear her bid “30 for 60”.
In Mom’s early years she worked at both Kirks and Smith’s Hardware and later at Adams Bakery. Besides trips to the “Cape” many happy times were had at the camp on Brown’s Mountain with Tilly and Hughie Dan. Later, Mom enjoyed their annual trips to Florida. Mom was also a regular attendee at Mass and a member of CWL for many years and a member of Club 60. She is survived by children Judi (Terry) MacPherson; Barbara (John) Smith; Robert (Paula); Antigonish; Beverly (Susan) Rexton NB; Fred (Audrey); Carmen of Antigonish, sisters, Sally (late Mike) Novak, Fran (late Ansel) Adams and Barbara (late Jacques) Belanger and sister-in-law Edith Williams; 16 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased was by her husband Prescott; sisters Mary Brown and Chrissie MacEachern; and brothers John, Bernard, Sander, Andrew and Lawrence. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm Sunday, September 11 in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant St. Antigonish. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, September 12, at 11:00 am in St. Ninian’s Cathedral Antigonish. Burial will be in the St. George’s Parish cemetery, Georgeville at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Cathy’s Place c/o St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, St. Georges Parish Cemetery, Georgeville or the RK.Foundation