Obituary of June Phyllis Florence

June Phyllis Florence (née Light) 1924 - 2017 June Phyllis Florence passed away peacefully at her home in Invermere, BC on November 22, 2017 at the age of 93. June Light was the perfect name for her, since she brought nothing but sweetness and light into this world. In her long life she never met anyone she didn't like, and people loved her in return. She was kind, generous, and optimistic, even in the midst of life's sorrows. Her bright spirit illuminated the lives of everyone around her. Born June 17, 1924, June Light belonged to a well-known pioneer family in Battleford, Saskatchewan where her father was the local postmaster. After completing high school, June took a secretarial course and worked as a paralegal. June married Douglas Florence of Richard, Saskatchewan in 1948 and together they converted a former Second World War airport east of North Battleford into a thriving family farm, still operated by their son Rob Florence and his wife Wendy. June was a lifelong supporter of women's rights and always listed her occupation as "farmer" rather than "farmer's wife" since she felt she was an equal partner in the family business. While raising her three children, June operated grain trucks and farm machinery; cared for cattle, horses, and chickens; chopped firewood and cooked on a wood stove; melted snow to wash laundry in the long years before plumbing was installed; sewed and knit most of her family's clothing; and harvested a huge garden. To supplement the family income, June also worked part-time as a court reporter, transcribing criminal trials in shorthand and typing them out on her old Underwood typewriter when the children were asleep. After the children were grown, she worked full-time for a local lawyer before concluding her career at Legal Aid in North Battleford, although she acted as the family's legal advisor until her death. She believed in higher education and it was a source of great pride that all of her children graduated from university. After many years of hard work, June and her husband retired to Sardis, BC in 1980 where they purchased a lovely acreage on the banks of the Chilliwack River. This was the scene of many happy family holidays. June was an accomplished pianist and most parties ended with a singsong around the piano. She enjoyed singing, dancing, playing charades, and being surrounded by friends and family. June loved children with all her heart, and said the happiest time of her life was spent raising her own children. She had endless patience and spent many hours entertaining her grandchildren, who in turn adored their beloved "Nana." She also had a wicked sense of humour and delighted in wearing funny hats and playing practical jokes. While in Sardis, June took up porcelain art, and she proved to be a gifted artist who created many beautiful keepsake pieces. She was also passionate about refinishing antique furniture and restored more than 200 items, most of which she gave to family members. In 1996, June and her husband moved once again to Invermere, BC to be closer to her oldest daughter Elinor. Naturally June had no trouble making new friends. She joined a book club, was the volunteer proofreader for the Columbia Valley Pioneer, attended meetings of the local historical society, belonged to the Canadian Cancer Society, and was presented with her 60-year membership pin by the local Legion Ladies' Auxiliary. Until recently, she enjoyed playing weekly poker games with friends. June also wrote her own book of memoirs appropriately titled Silver Linings. She was a lovely person both inside and out, always elegant, ladylike, and beautifully dressed. Earlier this year, June left her own house and moved into an assisted living facility. Since for her the true meaning of life was found in helping others, June dreaded losing her independence. As her loving heart began to fail, she committed the ultimate act of unselfishness by refusing to become a burden on her family or on society. She opted for a medically assisted death under the new federal legislation. Thus she was able to choose the date of her own passing and say goodbye to her heartbroken family. Always ahead of the curve, June wanted to be an advocate for a program that she believed is important and necessary. Her last words to her family were: "Be happy for me." She will be terribly missed by her daughter Elinor Florence (Heinz Drews) of Invermere; her son Robert Florence (Wendy) of rural North Battleford; and her daughter Mary Margaret Florence of Vancouver. She also leaves to mourn her seven adult grandchildren: Noel Florence (Niki) of Saskatoon; Andrew Florence of rural North Battleford; Clare Florence of Saskatoon, Tricia Florence of Victoria, BC, Katie Niddrie (Tom) of Invermere, Janine Drews (Andrew Plaunt) of Calgary; and Melinda Drews of Calgary. June also leaves five great-grandchildren: Shaelynn and Lily Florence of Saskatoon; Nora June and Juliet Niddrie of Invermere; and Quinn Plaunt of Calgary. June was predeceased by her husband Doug in 2003 and she continued to spend every summer with her son Rob's family at the farm. She is the last surviving member of her immediate family, predeceased by her parents Charles and Vera Light; and siblings Alan Light, Peggy Francis, James Light, and Colin Light. She loved being part of a large extended family and maintained a keen interest in the lives of her cousins, nieces and nephews -- all of whom will miss her dearly. A memorial service will be held in North Battleford in June 2018. Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com