Florence (Flo) Bickerton

Florence (Flo) Bickerton passed away peacefully at home in Edmonton, one month after celebrating her 103^rd birthday. We are thankful that she was able to maintain an exceptional quality of life until nearly the end.

Flo is survived by her daughter, Gerry (& Dennis) O’Connor; her sister, Helene Pawson; three grandsons, Kevin Benson, Art Bosgra and Andrew Bosgra; and nine granddaughters, Kathryn Gauthier, Janelle Traversano, Melody Clark, Jacqueline Smith, Cara Bosgra, Michelle Mack, Connie Smith, Crystal Leclerc and Nina Ruetch, along with their spouses and partners. She is also survived by 20 great-grandchildren and countless nieces, nephews and friends.

She was predeceased by her husband, Arthur; daughters, Valerie Russell and Carmen Codding; four brothers and four sisters.

Flo was a proud veteran who met her husband during WWII while stationed in Suffield, Alberta. She and Art were the ninth family to move into the fledgling village of Ralston where they lived for 28 years before retiring to Redcliff. In Ralston Flo would be best remembered for her many years of service in the post office, eventually as postmaster, and for her active support of the church, most notably as catechism teacher and as choir director.

Flo was a dedicated member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #6 in Redcliff, which is celebrating its 100-year anniversary this year and has honoured Flo as its last surviving veteran. She was an active supporter of the Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary and she was a lifetime contributor to the Catholic Women’s League.

Flo will be remembered for her contagious laughter, her wonderful stories, and her words of wisdom – whether you asked for them or not! She excelled at expert-level crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and competitive (sometimes cutthroat) games such as bridge and double solitaire. She loved a good glass of wine, her delicious spaghetti and meatballs, and the odd wee gamble whether at bingo or a VLT. Flo had a way of making everyone feel loved and welcome. She brought laughter, warmth and joy wherever she went, and will be deeply missed by all who had the good fortune to know and love her.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Redcliff sometime in September.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Redcliff Legion Branch 6, 302 Broadway Avenue E, Redcliff, AB T0J 2P0