Obituary of Florence Rondeau

It is with great sorrow we announce that on January 21, 2022, Florence Rondeau passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 84 years in Rotary Manor, Dawson Creek, British Columbia. She leaves 5 children, 15 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren to carry her memories throughout their lives. 

Florence was born in Drumheller, Alberta to Lillian and Herbert Moore in the spring of 1937. Florence was the youngest of eight children, all of whom have pre-deceased her. 

Florence lived and worked in Dalmead, Alberta where she met Fernand Rondeau. They were married a few months later in July 1956. They lived in the Calgary area when their first son was born in July, 1957.  Sadly, he passed away the same day. They moved to Turner Valley, Alberta and in August, 1958, Mary Jane was born. After learning of homestead property being available near the Dawson Creek, British Columbia area.  They moved to their own farm 25 miles from Dawson Creek in the Groundbirch area.  Rose, Robert, Brian, and Rita were all born at the Dawson Creek hospital in the commencing years. They all grew up on the farm. Florence and Fern worked hard to clear the land to make it theirs.

Florence had a green thumb. Her garden was always filled with vegetables and her yard was full of beautiful flowers. She took such pride in plants. Not just the ones outside but her home was always filled with beautiful plants and flowers. Florence had chickens and sold eggs and enjoyed the visits from friends and neighbors who came to buy eggs. Florence loved her animals. Over the years she had cats, dogs, and even birds. Living on the farm you never knew when a sickly baby calf, or pig made its way into kitchen. Florence took all in stride and successfully nursed many back to health.

Florence loved to crochet, knit, and sew. Over the years she made numerous clothes, toys, and blankets for her family. She always had some craft on the go. As the kids got older and had children of their own, the grandchildren became the light of her life. Grandma’s craft room was the best place to go.

After 48 years of living on the farm Florence and Fern retired in Dawson Creek. Fern passed away Christmas day 2010, shortly after that Florence was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s but was able to continue to live alone until 2013, when her condition worsened. She attended the Day Away Program Monday to Friday for many years and it was a program she loved. Her children want to thank the staff at Day away for the marvelous care, purpose, and dignity the program gave Florence.  In the spring of 2013 Florence moved to the Manor where she lived her last days. 

A Memorial Service for Florence will be held on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 1:00 pm from Reynars Funeral Chapel. Pastor Bill Mann will officiate. A private family interment will be held at Groundbirch Mountain View Cemetery before the service. 

For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Florence to the Rotary Manor Activity Fund, who sponsors the Day Away Program as one of its many activities for seniors. 1121-90 Avenue, Dawson Creek, British Columbia V1G 5A3.

Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home and Crematorium