Florence Sutherland
Florence Katherine Sutherland (nee Barr) of Woodstock, Ontario, aged 100, passed away peacefully with her family present on Wednesday November 9, 2022. Predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Alex, son Brian, and daughter Connie. Survived by her children: Lynn, Barry (Tracy), and Sheila (Danny). Florence had seven grandchildren: Becky, Jenny, Breanne, Ali, Cate, Ariann, and Keegan. There are eight great grandchildren: Mikaela, Jackson, Brian, Wyatt, Cash, Harry, Iman and Lola.
Florence was born in Clayton, Ontario on a farm in January of 1922. Her parents lived on the farm all their lives and she had two brothers and a sister Allie, Wilmur, and Rachel (all predeceased). Florence was the youngest of the four children. She was born with rickets and doctors in 1922 offered the helpful advice to her mother that they break her legs and set them straight. After shooing the ‘’doctor’’ off the property, her mother opted for the traditional cure for rickets which is exposure to sunlight. As a result, little Florence lived a healthy life to age 100! And this meant that little Florence spent her early days outside in the summer with very few chores other than collecting eggs from the chicken coop. Her elder sister Rae supervised her (they played together) and Aunt Rae often told us that Florence’s only job was holding the cow’s tail while Aunt Rae did the milking and her performance at that task was mixed. Florence and Rae were very close, and Rae lived in Woodstock all her life as well and was a big part of Florence’s young family.
Florence went to school in one-room school house in Middleville, County Lanark. She and her sister Rae came to Woodstock for work after WW2, in 1946. She worked as a Dental Assistant at the Ontario Hospital in Woodstock. Florence met Alex at a dance in Woodstock in 1949. And their first-born baby, Brian, was born in 1952. Florence was a wonderful mother, cook, counselor, teacher, friend, partner and supporter. You would search long to find a kinder person, although she did not suffer fools lightly. Upon hearing gossip or the other trivial matters that pass for news with many people, her general response was, ‘’Amongst them be it.’’
“The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.”
Jack London wrote that in 1916 six years before Florence was born. Our Mom certainly lived a full life and did not waste any of her days trying to prolong them. She used her time to laugh, dance and sing while raising a loving family. Thanks for supporting us and loving us unconditionally, Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma. We will always remember you.
At Florence’s request, no formal funeral service will be held. Memorial donations made to Sakura House are appreciated. Wareing Cremation Services, 225 Norwich Ave., Woodstock have been entrusted with Final Arrangements. Messages of remembrance and condolence may be shared here at wareingcremation.ca
Our deepest condolences from our family on the passing of a great friend that my parents Mario and Pina hung out with many times. Great dinner parties at each other’s homes was always fun and will be cherished always.
Roy and I send our sincere condolences of your family’s loss. Florence was indeed a very special lady. I always thought of her when going to Southside Park and looking at her home on South St. May many wonderful memories be with you all always. Donna Strickert (former secretary at the CAW Hall).
Dear Lynn and Family,
We were sorry to hear of your Mom’s death. She sounded like a wonderful woman. May God bless you and your whole family.
Mary and David Butler
Sheila, Dan and your families. Deepest condolences with Florence’s passing.
Brea, my condolences to you and your family at this time. What a beautifully written obituary and incredible legacy she leaves behind. Thoughts and prayers.
I’m so very sorry for your loss…our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. I have many wonderful memories of Florence …she was such a sweet lady…. I feel very blessed to have been able to know her.
My deepest condolences, I have fond memories of many visits with Florence and the beautiful friendship she had with both my parents on their annual trip to Canada, she will be missed .
What a wonderful life ! 💗 My thoughts and prayers to Sheila , Dan , Ariann & Keegan . 💙🙏🏻
Your mother was like a mother to me. I have many fond memories and have shared the the heartaches. Some of my ealiest memories were time spent with Florence. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to visit with her recently on the front deck. She was so remarkable. So sharp and witty. What a loss. I think we all hoped she would be with us forever. My sincere condolences.
Our condolences are with you. She was a amazing woman and we both ❤️ thank you for sharing time with us and her.
Florance
Beautiful person will never forget you.
👏Rest in Peace 👏
Sad to hear of Florence’s passing. She was a wonderful lady always upbeat. My condolences to all of the family.
Florence was a wise and wonderful woman. Her great sense of humor, wealth of common sense, and lively mind were inspiring. We’ll miss her funny facebook posts and wry commentary. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sutherland clan.
I wish to extend my sincere sympathy to your families on the recent loss of Florence. While I never had the opportunity to meet Florence personally, I did have the pleasure of talking with her on the phone and we had many interesting conversations. She was so warm, entertaining and had a wonderful sense of humour. I remember her excitement at having family visiting with her this summer. May your cherished memories of Florence and the love and support of family and friends help you in the months ahead. Again, my deepest sympathy to each of you.
So very sorry for your loss. Florence will be remembered as a very caring and special person.
My deepest sympathy Sheila and family, your mom was such a remarkable lady , with a beautiful smile and always happy.
It was an absolute pleasure to have known her.
May she Rest In Peace