Florence Geraldine Kerr

It is with sad hearts we announce the passing of our beautiful Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and Best Friend, Florence Kerr on April 1, 2022 at the Neepawa Hospital at the age of 92.

Florence was born June 1st, 1929 on the farm near Dauphin and was brought into the world by her grandmother, Margaret Matilda Nicholson, who was the midwife. Florence was the eldest daughter of Sidney and Margaret Nicholson and big sister  to Frances and Phillip. She attended Spruce Creek and Haley Schools while living on the farm. After moving into Dauphin , she attended the Whitmore and MacKenzie Schools.

Florence was a homebody content with doing hand work rather than participating in sports. The family enjoyed attending many dances and both Florence and Frances learned to dance standing on their Dad’s feet. Florence and her best friend, Joyce kicked up their heels at many of the local dances. Sundays were family picnic days with a trip to one of the local lakes.

In the late40’s Florence began her career working for MTS as a telephone operator at the Dauphin office. In 1951 a position for Chief Operator opened up at Gladstone and Florence filled the vacancy.

Here she met her future husband, John Kerr. On September 20, 1952 they were married and settled on the family farm in the Palestine District. MTS policy forbid the employment of married women and Florence shone in her new role as wife and mother.

In 1956 a flash flood caused the family to move to Grandview and in 1957 the family moved to Dauphin to live with Florence’s parents. John and Florence bought their first home at 102 7th avenue in Dauphin in 1958. Then in 1965 the move was made to Gladstone for John’s work.

Florence delivered Meals on Wheels, did housekeeping at the Gladstone Hotel & Motel, worked at Home Care and later at Third Crossing Manor in Housekeeping and Dietary.

Florence was an active member of the community through the Gladstone Legion Auxiliary until it folded and then as a member of the branch faithfully looking after the adopted Veterans with remembrances throughout the year. She was a member of the Rebekah Lodges for 67 years. Florence also taught Sunday School and was part of the Gladstone UCW volunteering on the Sick and Visiting Committee. The Gladstone Museum and Third Crossing Museum were also a large part of her life.

In 2015 Florence received the honor of being named Citizen of the Year for exemplary service and dedication to the community of Gladstone.

Florence was a proud member of the Dauphin Pioneers Association being a descendant of the first settlers in the area.

Her many hobbies included knitting, embroidery, gardening, weeding, baking, feeding the birds, visiting, playing cards, making puzzles, picking berries, making jams, jellies and her favorite million-dollar relish.

Florence carried on heavy hearted after losing her husband, John in 2017. Friends and family were a big part of her life and she always welcomed them into her home. Hosting and planning family get together were important to her.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Sharon, Daphne (Lloyd), Colleen and Geraldine (Kevin), and son Kimberly (Kathy). Granchildren Christine, John, Stephen (Sabrina), Patricia (Leandro), Catherine (Dave) David, Andrew (Aletha), Leigh (Brianne) and Michael. Great-Grandchildren Liara, Sara, Creole, Havanna, Madison, Dominic, Gabriel, Donnovan, Autumn, Jude and Greyson along with her sister Frances Litster and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Predeceased by her husband John, her parents: Sidney and Margaret Nicholson, brother Phillip (Phyllis) Nicholson, brother in laws, Lorne Kerr (Irene), Ronald Kerr (Joyce), James Stevenson and James Litster, sister in law, Grace Poersch (Edgar).

Her family will always be grateful for the kind, compassionate and wonderful care our Mother received from the dedicated Home Care Workers and all the front line staff at Neepawa and Portage Hospitals. Your kindness will never be forgotten, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We will all miss her.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make donations in memory of Florence to the Gladstone United Church, Box 82, Gladstone< MB R0J 0T0.

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