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GARRETT - Florence Edith Garrett. May 11, 1918 – Nov. 14, 2008. Florence was the second Canadian born child of Norton Conrad and Agnes Aimee Hamar spending her early years on the family farm in Nightingale. The Hamar family moved to Entwistle in 1929 when the Canadian government granted land titles to newcomers. Florence spent the remainder of her childhood and teen years there. Several years later, Florence met John Stephen Garrett. Jack and Florence married in 1943 during WWII while Florence served with the RCAF. Based in Winnipeg, MB, she cooked for the troops that were being quickly trained and deployed overseas. After the war Dad went back to working on the railroad and mom stayed at her folks’ family farm helping with the chores. During this time, Rod, our oldest brother was born. In 1948 Jack moved Florence and son Rod to Erskine, AB, where he had acquired a pool hall and barber shop business. Jack and Flo later expanded their business with “The Buzy Bee Bar,” an ice cream parlor and a confectionary. The second floor housed boarding rooms for rent. The Garrett family had quickly grown with Roderic, the triplets Arthur, Bryan, Conrad, then Edward and finally two girls Edith and Emily. Florence worked extremely hard in the household, raising seven children. She loved gardening. Nurturing growing things was a gift she had. She enjoyed the exploration and adventure which accompanied the family’s yearly summer vacations; whether it was a camping trip to the mountains or a wiener roast at the evening campfire, or a trip to the family farm in Entwistle. Florence also contributed generously to the Erskine community in numerous ways. She was an active member of the Rebecca Lodge until this summer. She was also a past secretary treasurer for Brownies and Guides. She wrote the Erskine News for the Stettler Independent for several years. She always contributed generously to numerous community functions, and would bring cooked and baked goods to them for the community to enjoy. Florence did enjoy 60 years of active life in the Erskine community, especially when it involved her kids. Up until this summer she was always active in a community sports league. The latest was the Senior’s Floor Curling Club and before that it was a bowling league which she continued to play into her senior years. Whether it was playing cribbage or canasta at home or at weekly tournament events in the Erskine community hall, she was always an eager participant. It was a simple life for a simple lady who enjoyed people’s company and the joy received from the conversations, the laughter, that which exists in a community town. “Mom came, saw and conquered. We will miss you, mom! Have the rest you richly deserve. Your unwavering love and kindness will be with us always. We love you.” Predeceased by her husband Jack; brothers Roderic, Harold and George; sisters, Constance (Norrie) and Muriel; Florence is survived by her children, Roderic (Terry), Arthur (Patricia), Bryan (Rosemary), Conrad (Trudy), Edward (Donna), Edith, and Emily (Byron); 13 grandchildren; brother Bryan; sister Dorothy; numerous other family members and many good friends. A Celebration of Life was held in the Erskine I.O.O.F. Hall with Rev. Susan Bowyer, officiating. The Eulogy was given by son Bryan Garrett and two poems found with Florence’s keepsake, “Me Mudder” was read by Conrad Garrett and “A Mother’s Journey” was read by Rev. Bowyer. Funeral rites were performed by the Marvella Rebekahs and Members of the Oddfellows and the Stettler Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. Honorary pallbearers were “All past and present members of the Erskine Senior’s Club”. Florence was laid to rest with her husband Jack in the Erskine Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Cross Cancer Institute or the Diabetes Association c/o Stettler Funeral Home. Sympathies may be forwarded to the family by signing the guestbook at www.stettlerfuneralhome.com. Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium, 403-742-3422, entrusted with the care and arrangements.



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