In loving memory of Florence Greaves (nee McCauley)
March 29, 1926 - September 27, 2011
Mom was born in Scotch Bush in the County of Renfrew, Ontario; one of 11 children. Her mother died in child birth when she was nine at which time she quit school to stay home and mother the younger children and assist her father who drilled water wells. After her father’s passing when she was 14 she continued to raise her family. At 21 she met and married Joseph Greaves and farmed the family homestead in Hankford; during this time they birthed 6 children. Joe went north in Ontario and began work in the Kerr Addison Gold Mines and moved the family to Cheminis, Ontario where they had two more children and lost two during pregnancy. Joe developed a lung condition and was forced to quit working underground so went west in 1965 to B.C. In September of 1965 mom packed up the family and we took the train to Terrace, B.C. In December dad was killed in a hunting accident leaving mom with 7 children at home, the oldest being 16. For the first time in her life mom had to work outside the home to support us. She worked hard as a short order cook, housekeeper and later in a fish cannery in Prince Rupert, B.C.
Life was not easy for mom but she always worked hard sometimes two jobs at a time. She still found time to go fishing, hunting, swimming, and tobogganing with us. We always had a large garden and laundry was done on a scrub board, water was from a hand dug well, and we always had wonderful homemade bread. Over the years mom fostered a number of children and there was always a seat at the table for which ever friend we might have dragged home. In 1970 we moved to Vancouver Island; after a couple years mom moved back to Terrace taking the 4 youngest children. Mom enjoyed the many years she volunteered cooking at the Legion and at the seniors center ‘The Happy Gang”.
After an injury in the cannery she was unable to work again but did what she could. She was always ready to help her children out when needed. After retirement she divided her years between Terrace and Vancouver Island where five of her children lived with their families. About two years ago she moved to Weyburn, Saskatchewan to be with another son and daughter. Not in good health, with kidney failure and diabetes, she eventually moved into Tatagwa View Long Term Care in November 2010 where she was well taken care of by the staff.
At 4:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 27th she lost her struggle and surrendered to the gentle hands of the Lord with family at her bedside.
Florence was predeceased by her husband Joseph and two sons Shannon and Joseph.
Left to mourn are her three daughters, Emily (Jim) Oliver of Terrace, B.C., Lucill Gainer of Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Marie Greaves (Jordy) of Campbell River, B.C., and three sons, Charles (Paula) Greaves of Black Creek. B.C., Stephen (Carol) Greaves of Weyburn Saskatchewan and Peter (Pam) Greaves of Cumberland, B.C. along with 17 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.
A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday November the sixth, from 2pm-5pm at the Salvation Army Church, 291 McLean St. Campbell River. Come and join the family in remembering this special lady.