It is with the deepest sadness the family of Florence Gertrude McNichol (nee Ferguson) announce her death in Ebenezer, PE, on March 8, 2023. Florence passed peacefully at home surrounded by family, having recently celebrated her 89th birthday.

 

Predeceased by her husband, George (1972), Florence leaves, heartbroken by her loss, daughter Shelly-Lyne (Clarence) Ellis; her pride and joy, grandson Samuel George; and beloved son William (Judy) Clair. Born the baby of 13 siblings, Florence was one of the two last surviving members of her birth family leaving behind her daring sister Odella “Babe” Mahar (the late Vincent).

 

Florence was born February 28, 1934, in Charlottetown to parents, Harry Garfield Ferguson of Marshfield (1963) and Agnes Karolyn MacAusland of Mill River (1993). Florence was predeceased by siblings, brother Gerald Garfield “Reg” killed in action March 13, 1944, buried in Italy; Elmer (Olive and Beryl); Hessell, died 1 month; twins, Olive Dixon (Keith) and Olga Brown (Gerald Burgoyne and Lloyd Brown); Roger (Jean); Gordon “Don” (Sadie); Joan, died age 6 years of diphtheria; and the dearest of sisters: Henrietta Clair (Tom); Thelma Misener (Clarence); and Hilda Szalay (Jeno).

 

Born into a large, loving family which resided on Park Street in Charlottetown, Florence cherished her memories of those times when the family was all together at home with mum and daddy. Christmases with Daddy handing out the presents, playing in the snow until she was wet to the bone, days spent swimming on the shore at the bottom of Park Street, and a homemade eggnog each night at bed time. She attended Model School, Prince Street School and then Mrs. Cochran’s Business School. As the baby, Florence would happily admit she was spoiled with attention. She enjoyed piano and voice lessons with Professor Kendall at Trinity United Church. She loved to sing. She loved to dance. From an early age, Florence enjoyed the movies and was a lifelong movie buff. Florence also took horseback riding lessons. As was in the case in the Ferguson home, Florence was an animal lover and enjoyed the sport of harness racing in particular. Throughout the years, the Gold Cup & Saucer remained the big race, watching via computer in recent years.

 

Florence had two cherished relationships in her life: Husband, Navy man, George McNichol (married October 27, 1954); a love affair which lasted until George’s passing in 1972. They met while she and he were boarding with Florence’s sister and brother-in-law, Thelma and Clarence Misener, in Dartmouth, N.S. Once married, Navy postings took them to England and Scotland where Florence flourished and where her interest in the Monarchy began and continued life-long as a confessed Monarchist and Anglophile. Upon returning to Canada, Florence and George remained posted in N.S. until George’s forced retirement (rank of Chief Petty Office) due to health reasons, at which time they settled on PEI to be near family.

 

The second cherished relationship in Florence’s life, one rekindled, was with Ralph Green. Florence and Ralph were together for twenty-two years until his passing in 2000. They enjoyed much traveling during their years together: Florida, California, Arizona, various parts of Canada, and Italy. Always an excellent hostess making people feel welcome, Florence ran a B & B during the summer months welcoming tourists into their home from all over the world, many of them, repeat customers.

 

Throughout these years Florence was an active member of the Women’s Liberals of Charlottetown, always working hard for the party, especially during election time, and was Convener of the Teas which would be held each Opening of the House.

 

Florence was also a long-time member of Spring Park United Church acting as Elder in younger years. Unable to attend services due to Covid and failing health, she would watch the service via YouTube each Sunday. She was gifted with a beautiful singing voice and continued to love and sing hymns up until her final days.

 

Florence moved into her daughter and son-in-law’s home in Ebenezer in 2010. Having always lived in the city, Florence was concerned about moving out to the country but quickly fell in love with the quiet sense of community and wonderful neighbours she discovered there. Florence was a member of the Ebenezer WI.

 

Florence sorely felt the passing of each member of her family but was always thankful for the memories she had of her time with them. She lived to hear the news of her grandson, Samuel; her remaining sister, Babe; and all her nieces and nephews whom she loved so much (including David, Charlene, Farley, Gage and Bruce), each holding a special place in her heart, each connected to the memory of their respective parent, Florence’s brother or sister. Sister Thelma’s children, especially, Gordon, Karolyn, and Grant, were ever present in her thoughts having a long and loving shared history.

 

Florence was a gentle and generous soul, always full of love and forgiving. The world is a sadder place with her passing.

 

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Wendy VanDuinkerken; Amy Garrett, NP; Wendy White; and the team at Home Care for their excellent help and compassion over the past many months, which contributed greatly to Florence’s comfort and care in her final days. Bless you all.

 

Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. Funeral Saturday at 2:00 p.m. from Spring Park United Church. Interment later in Peoples Cemetery. If so desired, memorial donations may be made directly to Spring Park United Church or a charity of choice. Visiting hours Friday from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com