September 12, 1922 - April 24, 2019
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Flo Anderson announces her peaceful passing in her home at the age of 96. Flo is survived by her children, Robert, Sylvia (Tim), Colette and Jeanine (Laurent); her precious granddaughters, Katie (Mike) and Kaia (Tan); her great grandson, Jake; her sister, Jeanne; and many nieces, nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Fridtjof (Andy), brother Gerald, sister Denise, sister-in-law Gay, and brother-in-law's Jack and Gerry. Raised in Saskatoon, Flo and Andy moved to Wetaskiwin, Alberta with baby Robert in 1957, where the rest of their children were born. Living far from family and raising 4 children born in just 6 years, Flo relied on new friends and neighbours while Andy worked full time and also took part time jobs on weekends. Mom had a strong Catholic faith that carried her through good times and bad. When Andy died suddenly in 1991, Mom had to learn many tasks that had always been Andy's job. At age 69, she secretly took driving lessons and surprised us all when she got her driver's license!
Mom's family was everything to her and she absolutely doted on her beautiful granddaughters. It was far more important to her to have a close knit family than to be right about issues that arose; she was very good at keeping the peace.
As Mom approached her late 80's, she began to slip into dementia. It was interesting to watch her suddenly enjoying sports on TV, and letting Molly (Colette's dog) sleep on her bed. She wasn't a fan of sports or pets before that! Thanks to Rob and Colette's amazing care, Mom was able to live her life to the end in her own home. She was comfortable and content, and words cannot convey the dedication of these two wonderful siblings. Flo also received incredible care from many home care and respite workers, and we are eternally grateful for the kindness they showed her. In the last few years, Jeanne made numerous trips from Saskatoon to help with Mom's care and give Colette and Rob a bit of a break. Thanks also to Sharon Haines who did Mom's hair every week, even coming to our home to make her beautiful when she could no longer go to the salon. Thanks to Gail Lemieux for her many visits, even after Mom stopped recognizing anyone. Thank you also to our good friend Deb Hendriks who was always available to lend a helping hand and a supportive ear. It has been a long journey with Mom's failing mind and body, one that brought our family closer than we had ever been before. Her illness taught us patience, understanding, teamwork and most importantly love and respect for each other and for our beautiful mother. She will be missed.
Cremation has taken place. A funeral mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church on Friday, May 3/2019 at 10:15 am with lunch to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Alzheimer's Society, SPCA or having a mass said in mom's name.