TOEWS: In Loving Memory of Florence Clemence Toews who was born September 22, 1934 at Windsor Lake District, SK and passed away October 28, 2013 at North Battleford, SK. Florence is survived by her loving children and grandchildren: Dorothy Reinbolt - Brooke & Heather; Laura; Teresa - Emily; Louise (Doug) Sylvester - Devon & Dylan; Martin and Michelle ; sisters and brothers: George Lavallee, Donald (Shirley) Lavallee, Cubby (Virginia) Lavallee, Loretta (George) Fenrich; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Lorna Lavallee, Art (Carol) Toews, Helen Holmes, Walter Toews, Mary Toews, George (Jean) Toews, Hilda Stanwood, Arn (Jeannette) Toews, Dorothy (Art) Talbot and Marion Toews; numerous nieces and nephews. Florence was predeceased by her husband, Bernhard John Toews; parents Louis & Dorothy Lavallee; in-laws; John & Helen Toews; brother, Roy in infancy; brother, Bill Lavallee; brothers-in-law, Johnny Toews & Gib Holmes & sister-in-law, Liz Evanishen. The Funeral Service was held Friday, November 1, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. from Mayfair Community Hall, Mayfair, SK with Rev. Cornie Martens, officiating. Music ministry was Pianist - Marlene Martens; Duet - Cornie and Marlene Martens ~ "There's No Disappointment In Heaven" and Hymn Selections: "In The Garden" - "Amazing Grace" & "God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again". The Honourary Pallbearers were "All Florence's Friends" and Active Pallbearers were Earl Holmes, Dave Holmes, Allan Lavallee, Eric Lavallee, Ervin Lavallee & Brian Lavallee. Memorials are requested to Saskatoon Cancer Centre, 20 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 4H4. Interment followed at Hoffnungsfelder Mennonite Cemetery, Mayfair, SK. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service. Eulogy - Florence Clemence Toews Grandma was born at home on September 22, 1934 to Dorothy and Louis Lavallee. She grew up with 4 brothers - George, Bill, Donald and Cubby. Her folks raised several other children as well, including one little girl, her sister Loretta, who shared the same birthdate. When Grandma was growing up, her family lived in different places. She rode horseback to school with her brothers. She also went to school in Prince Albert and still talked about how strict the nuns were, but how beautifully they could sing. As a teenager, Grandma quit school to look after her brothers and father and the household while her Mom recovered from surgery. Out of all the places Grandma lived before getting married, the home in what she called "the Damour Country" was her favorite. This area is now part of the Royal Pasture. Several years ago, Uncle Martin and Aunty Laura took the quad through there and located the yard site. Grandma was thrilled to see photos of her old home. In 1963, Grandma married Grandpa and they farmed together, raised 6 children and our family expanded to 14 including 5 grandchildren. When their kids were small, they had several late evening car rides in pajamas as Grandma would take them to the field to check up on Grandpa. Some mornings they would wake up to the smell of freshly baked "morning buns" and take a wagon of buns and coffee out to Grandpa and help with the milking. Grandma enjoyed gardening and loved flowers especially roses - if she had her way - there'd be no lawn - only a rose garden. There were lots of family celebrations, not just immediate family but full extended family on both sides, plus get togethers with friends and neighbors. Grandma loved to be in the middle of it all - planning, cooking and organizing. She had a gift for pulling off a big meal. Grandma was a talented seamstress. She made a lot of her own clothes and lots for us. She made a number of wedding gowns and grad dresses, costumes, and did alterations for lots of friends and family. Out of all her deteriorating health conditions, she wanted her sight back so she could sew again. Grandma showed us how to live by faith, not by sight. Farm life comes with lots of challenges - it's not always easy - but through the tough times, Grandma made sure we all knew that everything would be alright, and when things were going well, she'd remind us that we were blessed. Her strong faith helped her fearlessly face all life's challenges. Grandma and Grandpa looked forward to their 50th Anniversary and cherished every moment of that celebration. We are thankful that we all could share that day with them. Whenever Grandma and Grandpa were not together (which wasn't very often) each was counting on seeing the other. They would be watching for their life partner to return home. We know that Grandpa has been watching through heaven's window now after weeks of heartache - they are together again. We love you Grandma. Card of Thanks The family would like to thank the BUH third floor nursing staff, Dr. Tootoosis, the staff at River Heights Lodge and Dr. Ahmad and the staff at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre for all the loving care they have given to Mom. We would also like to thank Bob MacKay and everyone at Battlefords Funeral Service for the kindness and compassion they have extended to our family. ____________________________________________________
