March 30th 1936 – January 28th 2025
With great heartbreak and sadness, we announce the passing of Florence Marlene Ella Leask on January 28th at the age of 88. Florence passed peacefully, comforted by the loving care of her husband, children and grandchildren by her side at Soldier’s Memorial Hospital. Cherished wife of John (Jack) for 67 years and devoted mom of her children Lynn (Bill Koroscil), Rick (Norma), Duane (Sheri Tiley), Tim (Karen Fallis), Granny to Shawn (Brittney), Kyle, Ryan (Jessica), Andrew predeceased, Brian, Rebecca, Crystal, Aaron, Chase, Autumn and Great-Granny to Austin, Ava, Cohen, Cadence, Liam, Oaklyn, Addilyn, Aubrey.
Florence was a small-town girl born in Alliston ON, youngest and last surviving of 6 children. Daughter of the late Wesley and Clara (Hanes) Warriner. Florence started her career with Bell as one of Alliston’s telephone operators in 1953, her position was eventually transferred to Toronto. Florence would often fondly reflect on her position with Bell, she thoroughly enjoyed working the switchboard and the social interaction with others.
In 1954 at the age of 18 Florence suffered a horrific accident when she was hit by a car and thrown 38 feet. This left her in a coma with head injuries and broken legs, one in 9 places. The town of Alliston rallied around Florence with various fund-raising events such as a dance, Euchre party, bake sales, broomball games and draws to help support her medical costs. Florence had a strong will to survive and courageously fought for recovery. She has endured several serious ailments throughout her life with positivity and grace.
Florence met the love of her life John in 1956 and they celebrated 67 years of marriage. Our family was blessed to have her as our matriarch; she set the foundation that shaped our close family. Florence continually gave unwavering love and devotion before her needs, always family first. Our large semi-annual family gatherings gave her immense joy, and she adored spending time with her great-grandchildren.
Florence deeply enjoyed the theater, camping, traveling the world, fishing with her grandchildren and watching the Canadian junior’s hockey. She would light up when playing card games including poker for which she usually won and was always good-to-go for a game of Sequence.
Florence had a rich life full of love, laughter and family. Words cannot express the depth of our loss. Her wisdom, humor and sly wit will be profoundly missed. She will be forever in our hearts.
Celebration of Life will be held July 12th with a small service and inurnment at the Alliston Union Cemetery, date to be determined.
A denotation to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada would be appreciated.
Arrangements entrusted to Carson Funeral Homes – L. Doolittle Chapel in Orillia
Online condolences and memories may be left at www.carsonfuneralhomes.com