Elizabeth Marie 'Betty' (Campbell) Florian
Born In: Baddeck
Born: December 11th, 1932
Passed in: Sydney
Passed on: April 20th, 2016
It is with deep sadness and sorrow that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Elizabeth passed away peacefully, after a brief illness, on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Born in Baddeck, Dec. 11, 1932, she was the only daughter of the late Albert Hart Campbell (1942) and Olivia Anthony (MacGillivary) Campbell (2007).
In 1942, Elizabeth came to Sydney. She was the loving wife of William 'Bill' Florian for 60 plus years. Bill passed away in Jan. 2011 leaving a deep void in her life. They were dedicated and loving parents to their seven children, Susan Wallace, Nancy, Judy (James) Thompson, Michael (Nancy Beaton), Sandra (Steve Kellner), Bruce and Carolynn. Elizabeth is also survived by her grandchildren, Tanya (Tom) Sarson, Nikki (John), Eric (Jessie), Zachary, Adam, Alexandra, Jacob, Mary-Michelle, Charlotte, Jonathan, Brandon and Devin; great-grandchildren, Ethan, Blake, Robert, Ashley and Adrianna; stepsisters, Dianne and Glenda; stepbrother, David MacGillivary; brothers-in-law, James Florian, Dartmouth and Charles Florian, Elmsdale; many nieces and nephews and good friend, Rebecca Lane.
Elizabeth was a graduate of Sydney Academy. Later, she worked at Crowell’s and when all her children were in school, entered Cape Breton Business College. She was employed as a secretary with the Cape Breton District School Board (Sydney Academy), retiring after 27 years. It was a job she loved and she could also keep a close eye on her children, much to their chagrin. Elizabeth was very involved in her church (St. Stephen’s and later, Christ Church), as well as singing in the choir. She was a lifetime member of the ACW. Politics played a part in her life, no doubt at the urging of her husband, Bill. For 17 years, she was secretary for the Cape Breton South Conservative Party, retiring when the rezoning of the constituency came into effect. Handy with a needle, a gene she inherited from her mother, she turned from sewing to knitting needles, making numerous afghans, dog sweaters and socks for family and friends. Her dogs, Sprokette, and later, Demi were always well-sweatered. Reading (anything and everything), as well as music (not hip-hop or rap) occupied a lot of her time – she has a great collection of both. Embroidering and gardening was also a pastime – good for mind and body. She, along with the support and guidance of her husband, successfully raised a large family, of which they were very proud.
Visitation will take place at Sydney Memorial Chapel on Friday, April 22 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. A celebration of life will be held at the Church of Christ the King on Saturday, April 23 at 11 a.m., with Archdeacon Brenda Drake officiating. Interment in Forest Haven Memorial Gardens at a later date. Having great faith and looking toward the future, Dad purchased a double urn, just to be sure they would be together.
“Precious promises God hath given
To the weary passerby.
On the way from earth to heaven,
He will guide me with Mine eye.”
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or email sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.
