FLORRENCE ROSE MARIE TRUTHWAITE (née HISCOCK)

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FLORRENCE ROSE MARIE TRUTHWAITE
(née HISCOCK)

Florrence Truthwaite passed away in the early hours of September 21, 2020, at the age of 103, with her daughter Irene by her side.
Florrence will be deeply missed by her children: Helen (Buddy), Bobby (Grace), Judy (Doug), Barbara (Henry) and Irene. She also leaves behind 20 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and 36 great-great-grand-children. Florrence was predeceased by her husband Henry (1993), son Tommy (1964), daughter Gerry (2020), and grandson Sean (1988).
Florrence's father George and mother Ada both emigrated from England, having been told that "the roads were paved with gold" in Canada. They originally settled in Ottawa, which is where they met and married. They later relocated to Winnipeg, where Florrence was born on September 17, 1917. She was raised with her siblings: Violet, Irene, Helen, Georgie and Harry. Times were tough, and Harry died in childhood of polio. Despite having no farming experience, George and Ada moved their family out to Hodgson, Manitoba in 1932 with the back-to-the-land movement incentivized by the government. At the age of 16, Florrence married Henry Truthwaite on Christmas Day, 1933. She worked as a farm-wife and raised seven children on the Truthwaite homestead in Hodgson, where her son Bobby continues to farm today. Florrence's siblings and their children made many summertime visits out to the farm, which she thoroughly enjoyed.
Florrence was an intelligent and energetic woman, with an impeccable memory and a clever sense of humour. She had an uncanny ability to "tell it like it is", with her many memorable quips and quick retorts. Her favourite pastimes included bingo, cross-stitch, word puzzles, and reading historical fiction novels. "Granny's" plum pudding recipe was a legendary treat enjoyed at Christmas every year, and the recipe remains in the family today. Her 100th birthday was a monumental milestone celebrated with three days of events.
Florrence loved to travel. She went to England four times to visit her cousins, Bubs and Alf, and explore her ancestral homeland. She never wasted any time making decisions when she had the opportunity to travel somewhere. In 1985, Florrence and Henry received an impromptu same-day invitation to join their daughter Judy's family on a road trip to South Dakota. Florrence answered an unequivocal "yes" and within two hours they were on the road. At the incredible age of 90, she went on an Alaskan cruise with her daughters, Helen and Barbara. She also travelled to Scotland, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Germany, France, Italy, Hawaii, and throughout Canada. Many of these trips were taken with her family. However, Florrence ventured out on her share of solo trips and could easily make friends in a room full of strangers. Her passion and enthusiasm for travel was bestowed to both her children and grandchildren.
Florrence was a spirited centenarian who was the product of a pioneer generation, yet she had an ageless and inclusive outlook on life. She persevered through some tremendous hardships and heartbreak; losing her 15-year-old son Tommy was a devastating loss. The final months of her life brought further struggles. She grieved the passing of her daughter Gerry, suffered a fall that stole her mobility, and endured visitor restrictions brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we will remember this incredibly feisty and independent woman for the 103 remarkable years she lived. Florrence cherished her large family, and we dearly loved and admired her. We were so fortunate to have had this amazing woman in our lives for as long as we did.
The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Fisher Branch Personal Care Home, where Florrence resided for the last seven years of her life.
In keeping with Florrence's wishes, cremation has taken place. Due to the ongoing pandemic, an outdoor service will be planned for next summer.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 10, 2020