Florence Ethel Brittain

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Florence Brittain on November 1st, 2024, at the tender age of 93.

Florence was born in Kentville, Nova Scotia to parents Ella and Robert Ward and was the 2nd oldest of 9 children, Howard, Gerry, Ernie, Charles, Brad, Dorothy, Doreen, and Bob. Florence from an early age learned how important family and hard work was when she took on the role of caregiver for her younger siblings when her father went off to war and her mother had to work to survive. Florence would continue to hold value to both throughout her life. Florence was a natural caregiver to her siblings and always knew that she must keep extra watch on the boys who would often get into mischief, but they would always follow their noses home to Florence’s freshly baked bread and molasses.

Florence’s proudest achievements were her 7 children, George, Deborah, Margo, Bob, Marlene, David and Steven and radiated joy in her loving role as a grandmother to 17 children and great grandmother to 23.

Florence was a tenacious woman who was the true matriarch of the family living her life with class, dignity, and integrity. She always saw the value and beauty in everyone and everything. Florence always loved creating a warm and loving space for family to gather through out the year and would ensure that everyone’s stomachs were fed with an elaborate spread of food and baked goods that she spent hours preparing. Florence loved gardening and would spend endless hours thoughtfully planting, pruning, and caring for each individual plant.

Call it cosmic alignment; in 1970 Florence met the love of her life Syd Brittain and eventually Married him on May 25th, 1974. Their love and partnership served as a source of motivation and inspiration to each of them, and they complimented each other as one. During their 27 years of marriage, they never wasted an opportunity to laugh, have a party, travel, make memories and overall enjoy each others company. Syd and Florence valued family and would often be on a trip somewhere in Canada or England visiting loved ones. Their love was an absolute inspiration to their children.

When Syd fell ill, Florence ensured that she cared for her husband until he passed on August 10, 2001.

Florence wore many hats as a beloved, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, and dear friend. Her departure will leave a void in many hearts among countless people and leaves behind a legacy. She is now on her next journey, dancing in the sky with Syd.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all of the wonderful staff of Fairview Lodge for the love and care that they showed to Florence.

In honour of Florence's memory, donations may be made by following the donation link at the bottom of the page.