Obituary of Florence Ann Abbott

Florence Ann Abbott
October 27, 1930 - September 20, 2021
Corner Brook

It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Florence (Benoit) Abbott, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother on September 20^th at the age of 91.

Florence (or Floss as she was known among her family and friends) was born on October 27^th, 1930 in Curling, Newfoundland, to parents William and Alice (Letto) Benoit. Floss loved to regale family, friends, and the staff of 3 North, CBLTC, with numerous entertaining stories of her time growing up on Georgetown road. She was a gifted storyteller, and many of her stories spoke plainly of an early life that contained very little in terms of wordly possessions. However, each tale told was imbued with the richness of love, affection, and a deep appreciation for her hardworking parents and family. When she told the story of the scar that she earned by tripping and hitting her face on a sharp rock, it was not the scar that held her focus, but the many trips that her father would make into the forest to find the ingredients for the poultice that he would gently apply to the wound. When she spoke of her mother tending to the wood burning stove you could smell the smoke in the air as it rose to the ceiling. As she told her story of walking to school each day in the knee deep snow, you could almost feel the cold and wet of the ice as it trickled down into her stockings. You were always left with the impression of a life lived well, full of love and bountiful in ways more important than what can be seen or held in your hands.

This perspective was the bedrock upon which the Abbott family was built. No matter what adversity came our way, she was there to remind us of our blessings and to always “rise above it”. With our family, faith, and love we would always get through the hard times. If we were left with the choice of laughter or tears, we inevitably chose (or ended with) the healing power of laughter. And she would often lead the way with her quick wit and strong sense of humour. Though she might have a hard time accepting help, she thrived on giving it. Everyone was welcome to join her at the kitchen table for a cup of tea and a listening ear. And for friends of her children growing up, there was always a glass of milk and a chocolate chip cookie to be had.

Mom was an incredibly giving and loving human being. She was the wisest, most caring mother and grandmother that any of us could have asked for. And invaluable to each and every member of our family. We will miss her immeasurably.

Leaving to mourn with loving memories her husband of 71 years, Gordon; children Jenny (Paul) Smith, Mary, Rod (Colleen), Brian (Gladys), Bill (Dawn), Bob, Cyndi, and Sherri (Mark) Hackett. Grandchildren: Paul (Alice), Mark (Sherri-Lynn), and Peter (Natalia); Erin (Mark) and Tyler (Danielle); Stephen (Jodi); Michael and Melanie; Stacy and Shelby; Colin (Alanna) and Haleigh; Kassie (Adam, and her mother Kathy Lukeman); Nathan and Cole. Great grand-children; Andrew and Claire, Evan and Ryan, Joshua and Sienna, Hunter, Ty and Tayelyn, Colton, Aubrey, Dwayne, Sophie and Maximus. Special sisters-in-law; Claire (Vince) Holland, Annette Hawkins, Patricia (Cluney) Stratton, and Marie White.

Florence was predeceased by ; her son Michael; her grand-daughters Allisen and Jennifer; her parents William and Alice Benoit; siblings Mary, Patrick, Remi, Edward, Elsie, and Doreen; her mother and father-in-law Catherine and Joseph Abbott; her brothers-in-law Tom, John, Joe, Jim, Ted, Bob, Clem, and Enos; Sisters-in-law;  Jane, Clara, Molly, and Maude.

Our family would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Tim Griffin and all of the staff of the Corner Brook Long Term Care, 3 North unit. Your care and time spent with Mom showed proof that angels truly do walk on earth.

As per their wishes, services will be held in memory of both Florence and Gordon Abbott. Visitation at Fillatre’s Funeral Home, St. Mark’s avenue will occur on Sunday, October 24th from  2-4pm and 7-9pm. A mass of Christian burial will occur on Monday, October 25th at 10:00am at the Holy Redeemer Cathedral, with interment to follow at Mt. Patricia Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, flowers will be graciously accepted or donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

“And now these three remain: Faith, Hope, and Love. But the greatest of these is Love.”    - 1 Corinthians 13:13