Obituary of Florence Frances McDonald

On the morning of September 9, 2025, our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Florence Frances McDonald, passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 101. In the days leading up to her passing, her family was faithfully by her side, ensuring she was never alone. She left this world with her daughter Frances beside her.

Florence was born on January 29, 1924, in Tomslake, BC, to Nels Ole and Alma Frances Meyers. The eldest in a large family, she grew up with many siblings, all of whom she remained close to throughout her life. She married the love of her life, Bob McDonald, in Grande Prairie, AB, in 1945. Together they settled in Taylor, BC, where they raised their three children, Mimi, Bobby, and Frances.

Florence and Bob’s life together was one of resilience, hard work, and joy. They first ran a sawmill, where Florence served as the camp cook, before building a 14-acre market garden in Taylor, growing and selling fresh vegetables to their community.

Faith was central to Florence’s life. She was a devoted churchgoer, faithfully attending services both in her community and later in her care home. Even in assisted living, she looked forward to church and devotional gatherings.

She also lived a life of service. For 45 years, Florence was a proud member of the Royal Purple, the women’s organization of the Elks. Among her things, her family found a button with the saying: “It’s hard to be humble when you’re a Royal Purple.” It brought smiles, as Florence was the most humble of women - but it reflected her humor and her pride in being part of the group. She also gave her time generously through the Women’s Auxiliary and, alongside Bob, as a 4-H leader, teaching gardening, sewing, and crafts to the next generation.

Florence was an exceptional seamstress, cook, and baker, and her hobbies reflected her creativity and care - knitting, crocheting, sewing, reading, and baking. Her children remember the comforting smell of cinnamon buns waiting after school, one of many small ways she poured love into her family.

Above all, Florence will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and loyalty. She never forgot a birthday or Christmas card, held a tenacious spirit, and had a remarkable memory. Those who knew her describe her as a loving friend, a strong woman who lived life head-on, and someone who touched countless lives with her warmth.

She is survived by her children, Mimi and Frances; her grandchildren Shannon (Skip) Bridge, David (Stefanie) Szoo, Christine (Brad) Aske, Dale (Jenn) Szoo, Kerry Lee Weiland, Daniel Szoo, Shawn (Stephanie) McDonald, Darren (Melissa) Szoo, and Jamie (Brendon) Cornish; and her great-grandchildren Matthew, Devin, Victoria, Camryn, Kyle, Brianna, Carmyn, Ethan, Colin, Bethanie, Emerson, Karter, Evan, Ella, Dominic, Danica, Brianna, Marilia, Maria, Dominic, Jacob, and Hailey. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Bob, her parents, her son Bobby, her companion of many years Ed, and all of her siblings.

Florence’s life was a true gift - to her family, her community, and all who had the joy of knowing her. She will be forever remembered and deeply missed.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 15, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Hamres Funeral Chapel.