HILLIER, FLORENCE
On 27 December, 2017, we lost our mom, grandmother, "mimi" and great-grandmother at the age of 75 at St. Mary’s Hospital. She was born in the fishing out port of Little Bay Islands NFLD with no electricity and no running water. The only book she read as a child was Little Women and mom would joke that she never realized how poor she was until she left the Island. However she felt much joy and happiness growing up with her parents, brothers, sisters and extended family and always spoke fondly of this place by the sea. She left home to make a life for herself at 16 and met our late dad Eli, who she loved and missed so much. In the early 60’s, they took us on the Newfie Bullet with one shipping trunk full of belongings and headed across NFLD, onto a ferry and on to another train to Kitchener in search of work and a better life for their children, Dennis Hillier (Carol), Debbie Kreutzkamp (Danny) and Rob Hillier (Linda). Mom found it very hard to settle in this new place but was determined to stay for her children. It was here her youngest child Linda Farrell (Aaron) was born. Mom had a stubborn streak that could drive you crazy but it ensured we were taken care of and that we all finished school. She loved to bake and sew and she filled our home with many books that she never had as a child. She instilled in us a sense of adventure and we all went on to be avid travellers.
She was a past member of UFCW and USWA and a feminist. Her and our dad volunteered with Out of the Cold and in many ways started us on our journey of social justice. She had a soft spot in her heart for New Canadians. In some small way we think she understood their struggles.
Mom believed that they only way you continue to live after you die is through the children and grandchildren you bring into this world and the flowers you push up through the ground. Mom loved her garden and going to the theater but the thing that brought her the most joy in her life were her grandchildren Shawn, Brent, Chad, Myles, Ryan, Irelande, their partners and her great-grandson Emerson.
Mom never wanted a funeral but wanted her friends and family to have a party with lots of drink, food, music and laughter which we will hold at a later date.
We would like to thank all the doctors and nurses at St. Mary’s Hospital and Grandriver Hospital that took care of mom. We would also like to thank her friends and family who were always there for her. As expressions of sympathy, we ask you to help someone who is homeless or new to Canada.
Mom has been cremated and we will sprinkle her ashes with dad - back by the sea that they loved so much.
Mom, grandma, we love you.
Visit www.henrywalser.com for Florence's memorial.