Florence McDowell Obituary

McDOWELL, Florence Mae December 7, 1941 - July 14, 2014 The heavens took back our beautiful Angel. Florence McDowell, born in Vancouver and a proud resident of Sidney, BC and member of St. Andrews church for over 30 years, passed away in her home surrounded by family on the morning of July 14, 2014. An only child, she has finally been reunited with her beautiful parents, Florence and Sidney (Sid) Smart, aunts Nora and Marge, uncles Harry and Walt and cousins Billy and Lynn, all of whom passed before her. Florence's spirit is carried on by husband Gerry, children/grandchildren/great-grandchildren Candina, Chris (Tommi [spouse], Elle, Hunter and August), Riki, Reanna, Colleen (Cliff [partner], Carrie-Anne, Mikyla, Caitlyn and Jayden), Kerry (Leanne [spouse] Justine and Liam), her cousins Penny, Garry and Kim, puppy Kouna, and an extended family of church friends, relations and people from all walks of life. A beautiful, pure soul with an infectious spirit and smile, those who met Florence were friends forever (those with paws and hooves included). Her life was an example of the purest, most understated love and commitment to everyone and everything. A trained school teacher with an affinity for creating and a love of children, Florence will be fondly remembered by many as a puppeteer and the creator of the puppet duo Timmy and Tilly. Florence's talents, too numerous to list comprehensively; include that of a poet, screenwriter, artist, quilter, crafter, actress, singer, and story-teller, a number of which were explored to their fullest during her retirement years. Small in stature but large in spirit and heart, Florence lived selflessly, passionately, bravely and courageously to the end, which are lessons her children will carry with them forever. She lived by her own words, written during the last month of her life on this earth, 'You have a choice. Not in the count of the days to be lived, but in the heart and mind with which you live them.' A Celebration of Life service will be held at 13:00 on July 25, 2014 at St. Andrew's Church in Sidney. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to honour Florence's memory may be made to St. Andrew's Church, the BC SPCA or the Mount Newton Centre - Equipment Loan. "I have begun. I am not afraid, nor alone for He holds close, to His Heart, my hand." - Florence McDowell

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Victoria Times Colonist from Jul. 18 to Jul. 20, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Florence McDowell

6 Entries

September 25, 2014

We never met Florence in person but 'met' through family history research and as family we bonded. My husband Basil was Florence's 2nd cousin, here in England where Florence's family history began in the lovely county of Kent. I will miss her chatty emails that told me of her life & dear family. God Bless you Florence, we are the better for knowing you. Helen & Basil

Russ Hawryzki

July 26, 2014

With sadness I accept the loss of my Aunt Flo; with gladness I accept many great memories of a loving and caring honourary Aunt - my late mother's best friend. Thoughts and prayers to help you all,through this difficult time.

Penny Gowler

July 19, 2014

I loved your Mom my entire life and will miss her terribly. She was a beautiful, kind, loving soul and meant the world to me. She loved you all with her whole being. Hugs to all of you.

Jason Norman

July 19, 2014

I don't even know what too say. I am so sorry! I wish I could get there. But in lieu of that, please know that I am thinking of all of you!

How you can show support

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

elizabeth favelle

July 18, 2014

dear Reanna Rikki and family, we are so sorry to hear about your mum. She was always a caring, loving person and will be missed by all who knew her. Please accept our sympathy Liz Joe and Jeff Favelle

Marguerite Gunning

July 18, 2014

When I think of our church family Florence occupies such a large role. Her cheerful smile, beautiful voice, her side splitting humour and kind way she treated everyone, young, old, new or old friend. You will be so missed Florence, rest in peace.

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Memorial Events
for Florence McDowell

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.