FLORENCE MARTHA MCMILLAN (ADRAIN)

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FLORENCE MARTHA MCMILLAN (nee ADRAIN) With family at her side Florence McMillan passed away on Thursday, August 4, 2005 at the Grace General Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba, at the age 90 years. She was predeceased by her beloved husband William in 2004; parents; infant son Andrew; and brother Robert Adrian and his wife Gene. She will be lovingly remembered by two sons, Robert and his wife Linda of Winnipeg and Dennis and his wife Marilyn of Carberry with their children, Nancy (Harry) Hoff, Hugh and Marcie; sister-in-law Dorothy (Wallace) Williams of Oakland and beloved nephews, nieces, their spouses and families; as well as dear cousins, Robert, Ruth, Elizabeth and Megan McMillen in Ireland and many friends. Florence was born August 7, 1914 to Sam and Martha Adrain in Joliet, Illinois, USA and came with her parents and brother, Bob, to MacDonald, MB on March 7, 1918. The family moved to the Elsmith District in 1919 for four years, moving back to MacDonald in 1923. Florence received her education at Elsmith School, Connor School in MacDonald, Portage Collegiate Institute and Winnipeg Normal School. Beginning in 1934, Florence taught at two one-room schools: Rob Roy and Delta Beach, and grades 7 and 8 at Elm Creek Consolidated School. She was a dedicated teacher specializing in Literature, Composition and Mathematics. As well as teaching the curriculum she added to it by supplying the boys with fret-saws for woodworking and teaching the girls elementary sewing. She was invited to their homes and also played with her students - coaching and playing softball, curling with them, taking them to school picnics, wiener roasts and to see the King and Queen. When Florence and Bill were married in 1941 they taught together at Elm Creek until Bill joined the RCAF. In 1946 they settled in Portage la Prairie where they raised their family and made their permanent home. Florence was a member of Trinity United Church, a life member of the United Church Women and an active member of her Church Units. She was a president of the La Reine Ladies' Curling Club, a member of Electa Chapter No. 2 of the Order of the Eastern Star and had been a member of the Ladies' Golf Club and the St. John Ambulance for many years. She had also worked on the Domestic Committee of the Portage Fair Board. Florence loved reading and keeping up with the news, enjoyed her little garden and with Bill loved dancing, playing cards and having family and friends in for dinner and socializing. She especially loved her sons, their wives and the grandchildren. For the McMillans, the cottage at Delta was the perfect place to be - for fun and games, peace and quiet, celebrations, welcomes and farewells, bonfires, family, friends and fireworks as well as enjoying the lake. Bill and Florence enjoyed many travel holidays but after retirement spent the winters in their mobile in Weslaco, Texas and later holidayed in Victoria, BC. In November 1998, Bill and Florence were the first tenants to move into the new Dalton Estates and found it perfect for them. A service of remembrance will be held on Tuesday, August 9 at 1:30 p.m. at Trinity United Church, 15 Tupper St. S., Portage la Prairie with Rev. Ross Taylor officiating. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to Portage Trinity United Church Memorial Fund, 15 Tupper St. S., Portage la Prairie, MB or Portage District General Hospital Foundation, 524-5th St. E., Portage la Prairie, MB, or a charity of your choice. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Florence by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are in care of arrangements. 857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 06, 2005