Storch, Florence

Florence Storch was born June 10, 1913 at the family homestead south of Federal, Ab.  She was the second of seven children of Murdo and Margaret McRae.

Florence died peacefully in her sleep on Oct. 21 at the Long Term Care Centre in Hanna.

Florence is survived by her three sons and their spouses, Donald and Janet of Victoria; Edward and Margaret of Mannville and Leslie of Hanna. She is also survived by six grandchildren and their spouses: David and Jennifer Wigmore of Toronto, Michael of Dongguan, China, Jolan and RJ Pasloski of Calgary, Jim and Louise of Mannville, Karen and Arliss McNalley of Wainwright and Shaun Lumsden of Hanna; and 10 great grandchildren John, Carter, Mikaela and Glenn of Mannville, Nathan and Tyler McNalley of Wainwright, Jack and Sasha Pasloski of Calgary, Lucas and Daisy of Toronto.

She was predeceased by her infant son Robert, her husband William Louis (Willie) and her parents and siblings.

After graduating from the Camrose Normal School in 1932 she taught at one room schools in Buchan, Onward and Federal.  She supply taught for many years in schools around the family farm at Garden Plains.  She was a lifelong teacher and advocate of healthy living.

Florence was a great supporter of family, rural living, the Women’s Institute (WI), Senior Sports and the Lutheran Church.  She held many positions in the WI, attending conferences throughout Alberta, Canada and internationally.  Her stall at the Farmers Market was known for its vegetables and gladiolas.

In her 90’s she became an athlete and her sport of choice was the javelin. She received medals in the Alberta and Canada games. She last competed in 2014.

She lived in the family farm home from 1938 until 2010 when, due to a fall and fractured hip she moved to the lodge in Hanna where she resided until her failing health necessitated a move to Long Term Care in March of 2015.

The family thanks Dr. Lombard for excellent medical care and the staff of Acadia Lodge and Long Term Care for helping Florence with her daily living.

We also thank Leigh Sleigh for her friendship, faithful visiting and kindness and Helen Standing for her companionship in athletics.

Following a private family internment, a memorial service to honour her life will be held Sun., Nov. 1 at 3 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hanna.  A reception in the church hall will follow the service.

Florence asked that instead of flowers, memorial donations be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church, Box 746, Hanna, T0J 1P0, or a charity of your choice.

Heartland Funeral Services, Hanna, provided mortuary services.