Obituary of Florence Alexa Roy (Bower)

Florence passed away peacefully in Ottawa on the morning of August 10, 2024 at the age of 101 with her four daughters by her side.

Florence was born on August 3, 1923 in Baccaro, a coastal village in southern Nova Scotia. She would fondly recount her childhood memories of swimming in the ocean, exploring the beach and baking with her mother. Another fond memory was her first day at the village two room schoolhouse. At four years old she had been invited to start her studies early. She was so proud and appreciative of starting school early that she invited her teacher home for dinner. During her youth Florence spent many hours helping around the family home and working in her parents general store where she learned the importance of family and helping others.

In 1942 Florence met her future husband. It was war time and Alcide (Leo) Roy, a young, handsome sailor from Western Quebec was stationed a few miles from her home. They would soon reconnect at a local dance where he swept her off her feet. He was a lovely dancer, singer, a bit of a charmer and Florence was smitten. In 1943 they were married and over the next 21 years had seven children. Once the war was over they moved to Gatineau, QC where they raised their family.

Florence was a caregiver to her children, grandchildren and often children from the neighborhood. It was not uncommon for friends of her children to end up at her home for dinner. Florence loved entertaining and would regularly host family gatherings for home cooked meals featuring a large selection of her delicious home baking.

In 2016 Florence moved to Ottawa to stay with family where she was able to receive daily visits from her daughters. Florence spent her last four years at Carlingwood Retirement Community. While there she enjoyed the company of new friends and was cared for by lovely caregivers, some of whom became very close with her.

Florence was predeceased by her husband Leo (2011), her son Jonathan (2013) and her grandson Jay (2021).

She is survived by, Her children, Anne, Sherrill (Claude), Francine, Daniel, Edward (Nicole), Diane (John). Her grandchildren, Trish, Paul, Jennifer, Ian, Curtis, Sarah, Mark, Ashley, Shawn, Jesse and Amy and her great grandchildren, Logan, Hannah, Jasper, Samantha, Billy, Max, Ari, Owen, Arlo, Sophie, Jason, Vera, Emily, Brooke and Bentley.

The family is sincerely grateful to Dr. Nevins and the healthcare team at the Civic Hospital for the compassion and care given to our mother in her final months.

A Celebration of Life will be held by the family at a later date. Donations in Florence’s memory can be made to the Ottawa Heart and Stroke Foundation.