Florence Millman

Dear Michael,

Just yesterday I was shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of your mother. I first met her in the late 1970s and it seemed instantly that we became very dear friends. Thereafter, on any visit to Montreal I always met with her. And I have warm memories of her being with me during my time of duress on her trip to Florida. I own numerous paintings and sculptures from the West End Gallery which surround me in my home and through them she will always be with...

Dear Michael,
I was searching on the Internet for information on Louis Muhlstock when I stumbled upon the obituary of your mother Florence. I had not heard the sad news and I feel rather ashamed at not having dropped in at the gallery during these last few months. I knew her for only a few years but she always greeted me with great smile whenever I came down the stairs of the gallery. I never felt like a stranger or only another customer, I felt like a friend. I delighted in listening to...

Florence was a cherished friend and a invaluable mentor, starting me off on so many roads including collecting and understanding art and promoting my writing. I cannnot turn anywhere in my home without thinking of Florence. My walls reflect her patience in taking a novice under her wing. And her wisdom and girlish giggle will nurture me forever.

Please accept my sincere sympathies and admiration for Florence, who everybody recognizes as such a remarkable woman. Florence was always regarded as a good friend by my father, Jack Beder. I shall remember the last time I saw her about a year ago, looking so vital and energetic as she prepared to join her friends for lunch.
A truly class "act", as is her next generation

Eulogy for Florence Millman - Read by her son Michael - January 21, 2011


Florence Millman began life as an only child, raised and educated in Montreal. Her childhood was spent just a few minutes away from here at the corner of Esplanade and Marie-Anne. Her father Samuel was a prosperous clothing manufacturer. At the age of sixteen my mother had her own car.

She went on to study pre-school education at MacDonald College and then joined the West End Cooperative on...

Dearest Michael and Wanda,
I will miss your mother dearly. I am so glad that my cousin Shauna introduced me to your mother. I will forever remember her laugh.
God bless,
Michele McMahon, Post Mills, VT.

Dear Michael and family
I was so saddened to learn of your mothers passing on my return home from holidays. Please accept my deepest sympathies to you and your family. Your mother was a very special lady . I am sorry I did not get to know her prior to her weekly visits to the hospital . She touched all those she came into contact with. She was a truly remarkable woman and all those that knew her were truly blessed. I wish you all well. Hold on to those special memories of such a...

Deepest Sympathies - I have a little Markowsky that your mother helped me to choose to begin my collection, which now always reminds me of her...

We here at Westmount's Victoria Hall extend our thoughts to Florence's family as you say good-bye. She was a wonderful part of the art community in Westmount and a longtime member of the selection committee for the Gallery at Victoria Hall. We will miss her gracious smile and presence.
Virginia Elliott
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