Florence “Flo” May Osmond
May 11, 1961 to November 1, 2018
Florence passed away at Algonquin Grace Hospice, Huntsville on Thursday, November 1, 2018 in her 58th year.
Daughter of the late Gerald and Osta Osmond. Loving sister of Mary and her husband Glenn Watson of Utterson, Dwight Osmond of Huntsville and Sheldon Osmond of Toronto. Dear aunt to Kurtis and Benjamin.
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all of Florence’s friends and family members for their unfailing support and also to the incredibly compassionate and caring team at Algonquin Grace Hospice. She left this world knowing she was well loved.
We’d like to share a section from Florence’s “Dignity Questionnaire” which she composed at the Hospice a few days before her passing.
“I grew up in Huntsville and was born in the old hospital which is now Fairvern. I went to school here including Georgian College in Bracebridge for the PSW course. I was also in Moosejaw, Sask. from about age 22 to 26 at a little Bible College there; I loved it. The advantage was I got a BA degree which allowed me to work at Camp Tawingo since they favour degrees there.
How did I end up in Moosejaw? Well, we were brought up in the Free Methodist Church and at a gathering, a couple of girls and I decided to go out to the the Bible College. From there, I was the Food Service Director at Camp Tawingo and was there for 17 years – it was a very big job with long hours and a lot of responsibility. I lived there, had room and board, I never wasted my money, so I was able to save money. I owned my own home.
One day I’d had enough of camp. I went to work doing private home care for a couple in their 90’s who lived on an island. Money was never the end-all and be-all for me. I did the PSW course at Georgian in Bracebridge and started with Muskoka Landing in 2001, part-time and eventually full-time.
What I’ve found meaningful is my work there. The staff and the residents were just the best to work with. The residents, you can’t not just love them, some of the things they come up with! I would try and stick with the ones who had no-one, it’s not fair for people to be alone – it’s an important part of the job.
People wondered if I’d go get more education to be an RPN or RN, but no, I wanted to have free time. I was happy doing what I did. And I wanted time to do other things, to have my life be more mine. I was in the Community Choir right from the beginning; I love singing. I was in the Huntsville Community Policing for several years; I’d heard about it and thought “that looks different” and joined up. We worked along side the OPP doing safety things, like bike rodeos, the Kids’ Tri in Port Sydney, reminding them about helmets and so on. I also volunteered at the Restore too.
It seems my life has been cut short. I was diagnosed with cancer in 2004, and had 3 recurrences – I always hoped it wouldn’t come back and this time, it’s the worst. But I have enjoyed myself, I’m not a big hero. It wasn’t in the cards to have a partner. I’m basically just a happy good-natured person. I would never hurt anyone.
The most important thing is family – I have an older sister (Mary) and brother (Dwight), a younger brother (Sheldon), 2 nephews (Kurtis and Benjamin) and a brother-in-law (Glenn). We take care of each other. Mary especially always took care of me, even before I was sick.
My advice to others – boy, life is so difficult for young people, sometimes they don’t have gumption. I’d say to them to have the courage just to do things.
I’m still religious – I know God is there and wants to protect me.”
Visitation for Flo Osmond will be held at the Mitchell Funeral Home, 15 High Street, Huntsville on Monday, November 5, 2018 from 6-8 p.m.
A Graveside service will be held on Tuesday, November 6th at 2:30p.m. in Hutcheson Memorial Cemetery, Muskoka Rd 3 North (the grave is in the back section of the cemetery).
Following the graveside service, a reception will be held at Faith Baptist Church, 169 West Road, Huntsville (commencing at approximately 3pm).
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Algonquin Grace Hospice, would be appreciated.
Rick Brittain
So sorry to hear this. We knew her when she attended Youth camps, and would travel with us in a van full.
Mary and Rick Brittain
Rosemary Mould-Huber
I remember you well from Aldersgate College. I am so glad you enjoyed you life. May your voice soar with the others in the heavenly choir. May your extended family and friends find peace in all the happy memories of you.
Larry Osmond
To the family of Florence Flo May Osmond my condolence’s. Your all in my thoughts and prayers.
Robert Seymour
Hi, I went to high school with Flo but must have forgotten until I started going to the Free Methodist church (now The Door I believe). I play music at Muskoka Landing 2x per month. I am going to miss seeing her there. Just a memory after reading her own note. 21 years ago before I asked my partner out on a date I was actually thinking of asking Flo but didn’t. I remember one night in the church apartment a number of us put short notes in an envelope with an idea of where we wanted to be 1 year from that point. I just wonder if any of those notes were ever read?
Bobbie Mitchell
Mary (Glenn), Dwight and Sheldon – Your sister was an amazing person! So positive always.. She set the bar high on her journey.
All of you are in my thoughts and my sympathy goes out to you..
Bobbie
John Riedl
Flo, you will be missed by all of us who knew you from the Huntsville Community Choir. Your quiet grace, gentle laugh and caring attitude are only a fraction of things that made you so special. You silently soldiered on, taking each day in its stride, always thinking of others before yourself. You have left a positive marker for all of us to find.
Len Clarke
The Osmond Family and Clarke family goes a long way back to the Free Methodist Church days. So many memories!!!
Flo was such a beautiful person, she will be missed.
Len and Gail Clarke
Diane Bolduc-Caron
I met Flo at Muskoka Landing where we worked together for a few years, I will always remember her Beautiful smile. And her positive attitude ,
You have gained your wings , go sing with the Angels
My deepest condolences
Jacqui Strickland
Flo, you will be missed. You were there when I first joined the Huntsville Choir and held my hand when I just did not get the right note, as I do not read music. I regret not making the time so we could just sit for a while on Shirley’s dock this past summer. It is good to know that you are in a better place, with my love and lots of hugs. I enjoyed knowing you and am so glad to call you a friend.
Shirley DeConkey
New to Huntsville, I met Flo through the Huntsville Community Choir. She made me feel welcome and we had fun over the years having little practices on the side trying to master 2nd Soprano.
She was a genuinely kind, loving and helpful person … her life taken much too soon. She will be missed by so many. My thoughts go to her family that she loved so much.
Kay Miller
Dear Family and Friends of Florence:
When I retired to Huntsville and started to sing with the Huntsville Community Choir, Flo was the one who took me under her wing and for that I will always be grateful being new to the choir. I loved her smile, her laugh, her calm acceptance of how life evolves, her quiet nurturing personality while not being afraid to stand up for what she believed in.
Susan Bionda
Mary and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time.
Susan and Ted Bionda
Gary Denniss
Mary and Glenn, Dwight and Sheldon: We have just learned about Florence’s passing and are saddened by her loss, yet glad to know her days of earthly suffering and pain are over. We also rejoice that she is with her Lord and Saviour in the land of eternal day and light with Dad and Mom. Gerry and Osta were good friends of ours and we enjoyed their company both in Huntsville and over the years at Severn Bridge Camp. I recall the Osmond siblings (and Glenn too!!) at Huntsville Public School as well. No doubt you have many wonderful memories of Florence as it is evident that she was a very friendly, outgoing person much admired by those who worked with her. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble.” Psalm 46:1 Blessings to your loving, caring family that Florence thought so much of. Gary and Grace Denniss (Bracebridge)
Brandon and Sharlene Coker
Mary, Dwight and Sheldon,
We are so sorry for your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Over the years Florence has touched many people’s lives with her kindness and compassion. We will miss talking and laughing with her and I wish we had more time together, but the Lord has called her home.
It’s been our privilege to know her and call her our friend.
Flo, this is not “Goodbye”, but “See you later”.
Missing you,
Brandon and Sharlene Coker
Donna Heittola
My condolences to your family and friends your love and kindness will be missed by all fly with God and his Angels. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends God Bless
Shirley and bill martin. Lethbridge nl
To Mary dee,and family Dwight,Sheldon. I only met Florence once. She sure was a beautiful person. I use to send her hugs on the computer after I knew she was in the hospital I know we will all miss her especially her family. I’m glad I met her and enjoyed her sense of humour . God bless her has she travels to her maker.
Sue Scott
Dear Mary and family – deepest sympathy on Florence’s passing. She was a gem! My parents both spent their final months at Muskoka Landing and Florence was always optimistic and positive about everything. She made their days a little brighter and I was always happy to see her ‘on duty’. The comments in her Questionaire are a testament to her life. A bright light who was taken too soon.
Our thoughts are with you.
Bob and Sue Scott
Judy Underhill
Dear cousin Florence, it has been many years since I last saw you, as we were both young. However we connected on FB & of course I kept up with you through Aunt Elsie & family in Ontario. Such a kind & gentle soul with a big heart. Warm condolences to all the family on her passing. She is at peace now & no more pain or suffering. – Judy (Osmond) Underhill & family, Moncton, NB
Karen and Greg Garland
Dear Mary, Dwight
, Sheldon and families, our heart aches for you all at this sad time, but remembering fun times spent together, Florence’s generous love and bright smile, will help you all get through this.
Although there were miles separating us, thoughts of family afar was always there. Through messenger I was able to connect with Florence a few times, what a blessing. Saddened though we just missed seeing each other a couple of years ago.
You are all in our prayers and loved much.
May you all be comforted knowing that she is with her Saviour at this moment. She will be missed.
Blessings and hugs to you all.
———–
Karen and Greg Garland
Sterling’s daughter-Moncton, NB
Jenny Senior
I worked with Flo on staff at Camp Tawingo. During my years as Full Time staff I got to know her beautiful spirit and positive outlook . May she rest in peace. She will be surely be missed by all her friends and family. My sincere condolences.
Gayle Irvine Larabie
God love her. What a great friend she was at Aldersgate. And an astute scrabble player on Facebook. She never mentioned her illness to me so this came as a shock .
Condolences to her family.
Sherry Gibbs
Flo had a sprit like no other. The years working with her at the Landing were an adventure and she did do what she could to connect with residents. If you were having a down day she would have you smiling or laughing in no time. We had many interesting talks over the years. We kept up with each other when one of us would be off work.
Flo had a personality that few could resist. She loved everyone in a way that made them feel special. Many times after work we would stand outside and talk. She was always busy with something.
I will miss her for so many reasons.
I’m so sorry for your loss. She loved her family very much.
Lucy(osmond)Janesgrandfallsnewfoundland
t o mary-dee,dwight,&shelden, so sorry to hear Florence has passed away,i only met her once at craigs,she left a lasting impression on me,i know you will miss her, don,tworry her spirit will always be with you,and around you,she,s your gardian angel..may god bless yoand comfort you ,, ,much love,cousin lucy(Osmond)janesGrandFalls newfoundland
Josephine McClelland
Oh my goodness I feel so very bad Florence was my very Best Friend all through Huntsville Highschool if I had known she was in hospice I would have gone to see her. I did not know cancer had returned. Florence was kind and honest and one of the best people I have ever or will ever know. My deepest condolences go to her family. Someday we will meet again and talk long talks like we did in school. God bless and keep you until we meet again my best buddy. Love you so much Florence you are always in my heart.
Meredith McLaren
I am beyond sad my friend. So many memories…so many great memories! I treasure the friendship we had and will never forget you! Love Mere and family
Ella cunningham
I met Florence in Sudbury when we both had breast cancer she was my roommate we shared many great times together. We kept in touch via Facebook am so sorry to hear of her passing my thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time Rest In Peace my roomy Ella xoxo
Diana and Floyd Osmond
Mary, Dwight, Sheldon and friends,
Floyd and I send our condolences to all of you. It’s a deep loss to lose a sister and friend. Remember her smile, the funny moments you’ve had together and the quiet times you’ve shared. Please know we are thinking of you through this difficult time.
Love and hugs,
Diana and Floyd Osmond (Sterling’s son). Moncton, NB
Pat Kuiack
You will be missed, you have set a example to us all, To enjoy life and and never stop believing,, You will be never forgotten
Bob and Pat Kuiack.,
Tony osmond
With a heavy heart sadness becomes over us with the loss of my beautiful cousin Flo
In silence we grief in silence we weep for God had his plan to keep you from your pain
Now it’s our to feel the pain of loosing you.
You Will always carry you in our hearts and minds your soul Will live on in the one’s you have left behind
Love always and forever Tony and Bea
pat Looker
I worked with Flo at Muskoka Landing when it opened til I retired. She always had a smile for everyone and was so good with both residents and staff, who loved working with her. Even through her battles with cancer, she was hopeful and never let it show if it she was down. Will remember her always. Rest in peace.
Pat Looker
Barb James
RIP Flo. You will be missed here at the Landing. We will definately remember the quality of care you gave us also your beautiful voice and that laugh. Everyone knew Flo was coming by hearing her song and laugh. May God Bless all her family
Barb and MIke James….Residents at Muskoka Landing.
Bonnie Harris
Florence will be missed.
She was so kind and caring.
A Great friend for many years.
Love Bonnie
Bonnie and Passmore
Florence and I worked together for a few years on the Community Policing initiative. She was honest, hard working, humourous, supportive, and loving. I will always remember her with love, and the heavens will shine more brightly now.
Tracy McDonald
Mary, Sheldon,Dwight and family, our deepest condolences to you all, Flo was one of a kind with a spirit like no other, Tracy & Bob McDonald
Evelyn and Paul Killam
Dear Mary, Dwight, Sheldon and families,
Although we are separated by distance, our thoughts are with you all as you are feeling the heartache of the separation from your dear sister, Florence. We are praying for the comfort and peace that can come only from the One that Florence called her Lord and Saviour. We certainly share your sadness in the loss of an awesome lady who made a difference in so many others by her kindness.
Wish we would have known Florence better but in the times we spent with her in Huntsville a few years ago at Craig’s home, and few other times, she always warmed our hearts to chat and spend time with. Certainly a beautiful, caring soul!
Maybe one day, we all can get to know one another better and meet some of you who we’ve never had the privilege to.
With much love,
Evelyn & Paul Killam — Sterling’s daughter, Moncton NB
Lisa Osmond
RIP FLO , I will miss you beautiful smile and your little laugh . Until we meet again ! Lisa Osmond