FLORENCE MAE (SHIRTLIFFE) FARENHURST

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FLORENCE MAE (SHIRTLIFFE) FARENHURST It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Florence on Monday, April 17, 2006. She was predeceased by her husband, Tom; she leaves behind to honor her a daughter, Anne Hicks; three grandchildren, Kristin Grider of Minneapolis, David (Christine Fabas-Pirie) and Rebecca (Lee Kozak) and three great-grandchildren; Zackery McDonald, Dominique Hicks and Genevieve Kozak. Florence was born on September 10, 1903 near Starbuck, MB to Frederick Shirtliffe and Mary (Walsh) Shirtliffe. She spent her childhood on the farm and attended a one-room school, then St. Mary's Academy in Winnipeg, graduating at age 16. After Normal School she taught in Starbuck, and in the Interlake at Lundar and Alonsa, moving to Winnipeg, she taught at Fort Garry School and later became principal there. In 1941 she married Thomas Farenhurst and took time out from her professional duties to raise a family. However, teaching was a great love, so she returned to it in 1952, as the first lay teacher at St. Mary's Academy and later for Winnipeg School Division #1 in Robert H. Smith, Cecil Rhodes Elementary, Brock Corydon and Gladstone Schools. During this time she studied for and received a B.A. degree from University of Manitoba. After teaching all grades she found her niche in Grade 4. She said that she loved what she did so much that she was surprised to receive a paycheque at the end of each month. She and Tom retired to spend winters in Weslaco, TX and summer at Victoria Beach until Tom's death in 1977. Her later years were spent with her daughter and grandchildren and then at the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg. The family is grateful for the care she received in the Home and especially for their gentleness and compassion. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 22 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ignatius of Loyola Roman Catholic Church, 255 Stafford Street with Rev. Fr. Joseph Johnson, S.J. as officiant. Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends so wish, donations may be made to the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg or to the charity of your choice. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 20, 2006