TRENTON – It is with sad hearts that the family of Florence Elizabeth Marshall announces her passing on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012 at Glen Haven Manor.
Born in New Glasgow, August 22, 1919, she was the daughter of the late George and Myra (Hamilton) MacKay.
She is survived by daughter Myrna Boone, Trenton; son, Ronnie Frazee, MacPherson’s Mills; brother John MacKay, Dartmouth; sister Joyce Stanley, North Carolina; former daughter-in-law, Betty Riggs, Trenton; sister-in-law Eva Hayden, Glen Haven Manor, step-daughter Eleanor Bevin, Hamilton; as well as many nieces and nephews; nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by first husband Isaac Frazee, second husband Ross Marshall, sister Dorothy (Dot) Sweeney-Bartlett, brother George MacKay, son-in-law Harold Boone, step-son Allistar (Susan) Marshall, as well as two grandchildren.
In earlier years, Nan was employed at Spencer Motors, CP Smiths and the Norfolk Hotel.
She was a member of the First United Church in Trenton, and a member of the 55 Club, The Steeltown Friendly Group, as well as one of the last surviving members of a “card club” that lasted 50 years. Nan was a friend to all, driving her companions to many card plays, senior’s events and activities. The grandchildren always joked that we had to “make an appointment to see her” because her days were so full. On those days she was free, we were so happy to see her car drive up over the brow of the hill to the cottage, that we would run to her car. Nan enjoyed bus tours, card plays, bingo, and many trips to PEI and Ontario in the motor home with Ross. She especially loved spending time at the cottage, lovingly referring to it as “the shore”. Memories of Nan “wallowing” at the ocean’s edge while we sat with her to chat, in between swims, will always be close to our hearts. Nan was good company, always a pleasure to be in her presence, like a cozy fire, she was the kind of person who gave light to a room, just by being in it. Her love of animals, especially dogs, will always be remembered, and any dog (Cindy, Missy, Mr. Brown) that belonged to Nan was sure to be showered with love and of course the occasional DQ ice cream. Nan loved a good meal in the company of family and friends, and we always enjoyed hearing her tell funny stories about the past. Nan loved to sing... If you close your eyes, you can hear her still... Even as her health failed, and communication and memory became difficult, she could still sing the words to everything from “I’ll take You Home Again Kathleen” to “Sonny’s Dream”, and of course any hymn or war time song that you could name. Nan’s shining blue eyes could laugh as easily as they could cry. She would always say “Her bladder was close to her eyes”, after enjoying reading Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt. Nan, also called “Other Nan,” left us a beautiful legacy of a loving, tender hearted grandmother, mother, sister and friend. She has shown us, by example, how to live each day to the fullest, and to be a friend to all. Myrna’s daily visits to Nan for almost three years at Glen Haven have been a true display of love, giving Nan dignity when she could no longer speak. “He speaks, and the sound of his voice, is so sweet the birds hush their singing, and the melody that he gave to me, within my heart is ringing, and he walks with me and he talks with me, and he tells me I am his own....”- “In the Garden” Charles Austin Miles 1912. Treasure Our Nan, Lord, in your Garden of Rest, for when on earth, she was one of the best.
Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation by request. A graveside service with reception will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA.
The family would like to thank the staff at Glen Haven Manor for their excellent care given to Flo during her stay. A special thank you to Sister Mary, and also to Dr. Barclay, for many years of care and thoughtfulness.
Arrangements are under the direction of the R.H. Porter Funeral Home, Trenton.
Condolences may be sent by visiting: www.rhporter.ca