Obituary for
Florence Mabel Church
Florence Mabel Marie Church was born in the Pas Manitoba on September 21, 1938. She was a born
with an extra chromosome which made her a sweet unique special individual, and we have always felt
blessed that she chose our family. Being born in 1938, life at the time did not offer many opportunities
for someone with her gifts. The only suggestion offered to the family at that time was to place her in an
"institution"..." for those kind of people" ... "hide her away".
That of course wasn't an option....Her family recognised her fierce determination to be herself. She was
valued, loved and contributed to the family dynamic in a very positive way.
Times changed and with the change came numerous opportunities for Florence, she moved to a group
home in Drayton Valley and lived independently for a large portion of her adult life. She had a job and
earned money, she had many close friends, she travelled extensively with her group home family, she
participated in the special Olympics, she camped every summer at Camp He Ho Ha, she bowled weekly,
she rode horses, she belonged to square dancing.... and oh how she loved to dance!! she loved skirts
and dresses that she could spin around in, causing the skirt to billow out around her. She reminded us
frequently that she was very good at the Watusi, and the "Cha cha cha".... and she was .....she had
excellent rhythm. She would demonstrate to us frequently what a great dancer she was...we "twisted" and "watusied" for hours to Elvis Presley on her "Hi Fi" stereo....She was so much fun, and she was
funny... in an honest, sweet, heart felt way. She was also stubborn, and had an opinion about things. She
was told early on by her parents that what she had to say was important, because she was important....
she never forgot that. When she had an idea about something... she was going to let you know.
One thing that wasn't available for Florence growing up was the opportunity to go to school, it just
wasn't what was done "back in the day"... and she would frequently comment about how much she wished she could go to school. This is what we know about Florence.. even without that educational
opportunity she was a gifted teacher... she taught us that every day can be your birthday and should be
celebrated. You might not be the fastest person on the team.. But if you swing hard enough and the ball
clears the fence.. Speed isn't the most important thing after all. Be yourself, what you have to say is
important because your important... and love everyone you meet, hug them..hold them tight..... and when you hear the music for goodness sake... GET UP AND DANCE.
A Memorial Service for Florence will be held at a later date. Friends so wishing may make memorial contributions to Long Term Care at the Hudson Bay Health Care Facility.