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Florence passed away peacefully on August 28, 2012 at the age of 93 years.

Florence was born in Kamsack, Saskatchewan on February 18, 1919 and grew up in Krestova where she learned the fine art of stitchery. It was here that she met and married the love of her life, Jack. Together, they relocated to the Okanagan where Jack managed an orchard and Florence worked in the packing house. Some years later, the family moved back to the local area, first to Thrums, and then to Robson where she continued to live until her final days.

Florence was a great cook. It became tradition many years ago for all the family to congregate at her house on Boxing Day to enjoy a traditional Russian feast plus a little “string” ham. As much as she was a good cook, she was even better at crocheting. All of her children and grandchildren had crocheted tablecloths from her and she was working on tablecloths and doilies until the day she passed. She spent every spare moment she had stitching and won several first place ribbons for her work at the fall fair.

Florence also loved to sing. She shared many happy memories of her years, along with Jack, singing with the Brilliant Choir. She took pride in her Russian heritage, she took pride in her borscht, and she took pride in her stitching, and in everything else that she did. What we loved the most is that she shared it with all of us.

Florence was predeceased by her parents, her brothers Nick and Alex Gretchen, husband Jack in 1986, and son Jack in 2008. She is survived by three loving sons: Harry (Verna) Chernoff, Lawrence (Jodi) Chernoff, Dave (Sophie) Chernoff and sister, Molly Almaas. Also survived by five grandchildren: Jason, Jennifer, Jeremy, Dustin and Damien and four great-grandchildren: Jessica, Lyla, Parkyr, and Aiden.

Funeral Services were officiated by Peter Zaytsoff and were held at Castlegar Funeral Chapel on August 31, 2012. Interment will follow at a later date.

Florence’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who sent words of condolence, the Castlegar Funeral Chapel for their compassionate and caring service, to Peter Zaytsoff for officiating the service and for his kind and professional guidance, to the West Kootenay Psalmists for their beautiful songs and to the staff of Talarico Place for their excellent care and compassion for Florence in her final months.


If Roses grow in Heaven

Author: Unknown

If Roses grow in Heaven

Lord, please pick a bunch for us.

Place them in my Mother’s arms

and tell her they’re from us.


Tell her that we love her and miss her,

and when she turns to smile,

place a kiss upon her cheek

and hold her for awhile.


Because remembering her is easy,

We do it every day,

but there’s an ache within our hearts

that will never go away.



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