FLORENCE MAY LITTLE (PARNELL) (CRAGGS)

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FLORENCE MAY LITTLE (PARNELL) (nee CRAGGS) Peacefully, after a brief illness, on Sunday, March 14, 2004 at the Victoria General Hospital, we regret to announce the death of Florence Little at the age of 87 years. Surviving are children, Ted Parnell, Laine Parnell and Linda Parnell-Bonnie (Mike) stepsons, Gord Little (Ellen) and Tom Parnell; grandchildren, Brad Little (Jill), Wendy Bonnie, Sean Telesky, Mike Telesky (Elaine), Jenn Telesky and Kyle Bonnie; great-grandchildren, Monique, Brooke, Sam, Branden and Justin; nieces and nephews, Joan Haley, Dianna (Ed Mowdy), Ron (Lorraine), Basil Jr. (Shirley), Marilyn (Don Moren), Judy (Kevin Staines), Joyce (Jim McGuff), Jacquie (Larry Hollybow), Chuck Spibey; several grand nieces and nephews; as well as other members of her beloved extended family; and a good friend Pearl Haas. Mum was predeceased by husbands, Norman (Jim) Little and Frederick (Ted) Parnell; siblings, Doris (Charles Beech), Thelma (Richard Fraes), Lawrence (Pauline), Basil Cole (Rose) nephews, Barry Craggs, Reg Haley, Sr. and Jr.; stepson Ray Little (Marie) and parents, Thomas Craggs and Rosella Sturgeon Craggs. Mum was born in 1916, at home in Elmwood, Winnipeg and lost her own mother to the flu epidemic in 1919. She received her schooling at Lord Selkirk School and was employed primarily as a domestic during the Depression. During the Second World War, Mum was proud to serve as a mechanics helper at #5 Air Observers School, Commonwealth Air Training Plan, Manitoba, where she met former RCHA A/L/B Ted Parnell who she later married in Vancouver in 1946. They shared a love of animals and the outdoors, and spent summers camping in the B.C. interior. Together, they operated Electronic Supply & Service in New Westminster and raised their family and a houseful of pets, until Dads sudden death in 1954. Mum returned to Winnipeg and assured her children that we would find the winters bracing. After completing business courses, Mum was employed with the provincial Lands Branch until her retirement in the late 1960s. As a widow with the sole support of three young children in the 50s, Mum somehow was able to pack up a weeks supply and load everything onto public transport to give us summer vacations at Grand Beach. Although money was scarce, Mum encouraged us to take music lessons and join youth groups. She loved animals and always found a way to care for the lost pets that followed us home. We developed a good work ethic from sharing household chores and noticing how Mum took pride in both paid and unpaid work. She had a great sense of humour and enjoyed being teased about her thrift and discomfort with compliments. Mum married Jim Little in 1964 and they shared a love of animals, music and family dinners. They resided in Winnipeg close to their blended families until Jims death in 1999. Shortly thereafter, Mum, with her parakeet Tickie, moved to Rosewood Village, where she led a pleasant life until shortly before her final illness. In accordance with Mums wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. Special appreciation for the support of friends and relatives and to everyone at Rosewood Village, WHRA Home Care nurses, Mums doctors and their support staff (especially Naomi) and staff at the Victoria General Hospital - for the comfort and care given to Mum and her family over the last five years and during her final illness. Anyone wishing to honour Florence Littles memory is encouraged to do a good deed for an animal shelter. WOJCIKS ALL BELIEFS & FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM 897 - 4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 10, 2004