FLORENCE CARSWELL

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FLORENCE CARSWELL Peacefully, on January 1, 2015, Florence Carswell, 97 years, passed away with family by her side. Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters Linda Carswell Bland (Richard), Cindy Carswell, son-in-law Dr. Joe Meek, grandchildren Jeff Meek, Stacey Meek (Vic Toews), Keely Speechley (William) and great- grandchildren, Jessica and Sydney Meek, Hudson Meek Toews (her little man), Jacob and Arran Speechley. Also surviving are her brother and sister-in-law Sidney and Helen Manness, sister Shirley Cole, sister-in-law Gladys Manness, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Walter in 1984, daughter Diane in 2002, sisters Adele Smith and Doris Magarrell, brother Don Manness, and brothers-in-law, Fred Smith, Henry Magarrell and Grenville Cole. Florence was born in Winnipeg on August 17, 1917. She was part of a family of six children born to Alfred and Inger Manness. Growing up, they were a close knit family moving between Winnipeg and Domain until finally settling on the family farm in 1932 when Mom was in grade nine. She married the love of her life, Walter Carswell, on October 4, 1939. They shared a wonderful life until Walter's passing in 1984. Florence and Walter farmed land in Domain and were actively involved in their community. Florence worked for over 40 years in the Domain community at the Domain Hall, the Recreation Food Committee, the Women's Institute (receiving a life membership), and the Avonlea Church choir. She was leader of the 4-H Garden Club and both President and Treasurer of the UCW. At the age of 70 she became the drummer with the Domain Band. Florence and Walter boarded school teachers for 15 years which led to remaining friendships. Florence loved Domain and the people associated with the community. Nothing gave her greater joy than to attend services at Avonlea and to revisit her old home. Florence moved to Winnipeg in 1989 and lived at 20 Fort Street. True to her community spirit, she became actively involved in the activities of her Block. She developed good friends at Fort Street and was always grateful for their friendship. Florence was widely known for her love of life. She was always laughing, smiling, and having a good time. In fact, she was still singing at the age of 97 to the residents of the Victoria Hospital 3 South during her stay. She loved to play games, and the more she made you laugh, the better her jokes became. People remember her for her laugh and the smile she could put on anyone's face. A Celebration of Florence's Life will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Canad Inns Destination Centre Fort Garry, 1824 Pembina Highway, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Family Interment at Garry Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be: Dr. Joe Meek, Richard Bland, Jeff Meek, Winston Smith, Kent Magarrell, Ron Manness, Laverne Manness and Vernon Cole. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Clayton and Cheryl Manness, Stuart and Jane Manness, Ron and Judy Smith, Murray and Myrna Thompson. The family wish to thank the Management and Staff of the Rosewood/Cedar House, Victoria Hospital 3 South, and West Park Manor. Should friends so desire, donations may be made in Florence's memory to CancerCare Manitoba or the Avonlea United Church in Domain. Mom said the facts of life are "count your blessings one by one and see what God has done." "Life is like a ladder. Every step we take is either up or down." Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home in care of arrangements. 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 05, 2015