McCallum Florrie Jean,
It is with great sadness that the family of Florrie Jean McCallum (Beynon) announce her passing on December 21st, 2022 at Good Samaritan LTC in Alliston in her 89th year. Throughout her valiant battle with Dementia and Aphasia, Mom kept her cheery disposition and bubbly nature even during the most difficult of times, especially during Covid. Thank goodness for technology which allowed us to visit with her virtually when in-person visits were not an option and it allowed us to send many laminated 8.5” x 11“ photos of the family for Mom to hold in her hands to know we were always with her. She was an incredibly strong woman and she set an example for all of us to follow going forward. Mom, we are so proud of you!
Florrie will now join her beloved husband of 54 years, Gordon McCallum, (2011) and her first-born child, Jim McCallum, (2012) where they, no doubt, will all be together at Mom’s favourite place, the cottage, watching over their family from above.
Cherished and much loved Mom of Mary and her husband George Milner, fondly remembered by her Daughter-in-law Wendy McCallum, loved Grandma of Rob and his wife Ania and Kim and her Fiancé Luuk Goenee of the Netherlands, Great Grandma of Rob’s girls, Annika and Juliet. Sister of Margaret (Ross) Kirby (both deceased), brother Bob (deceased) and his wife Marilyn Beynon, sister of Ruth Brillinger (Jim deceased). Forever in the hearts of extended family and many friends.
Florrie was a school teacher in the days of “eight grades in one classroom” until she married her dear Gordie and became an active dairy farmer’s wife and mother, where they raised their family in Schomberg. We were blessed to have such wonderful neighbours and Mom enjoyed all the activities and challenges that went with the farm community and all of the friendships they made along the way. Her passion was her massive gardens, vegetables, fruit and flowers and we reaped the benefits of her cooking skills and wonderful homemade pies and baking!
Florrie was an artist, taught oil painting, dabbled in water-colours, an avid quilter, learned rug-hooking, enjoyed sewing projects, and many other crafts. We attended Rich Hill United Church and Mom was a lifetime member of the UCW. She was an athlete from school days, baseball, track and moved on later to bowling, curling, and her favourite sport, golf, when they moved to Green Briar in Alliston and made many more new friends.
Mom and Dad loved to travel, especially to warm climates, which eventually led them to become snowbirds and purchase their own vacation home in Florida which they enjoyed for many years. In their retirement years, they also tried their hand at the cottage-life and what fun and joy this brought to their lives. Many a good euchre match was had and in the spring, Mom couldn’t wait for George to open the cottage when they returned home from Florida!
Most of all, Mom loved her family, and her pride in her children, their spouses and grandchildren was evident. She will be greatly missed and deeply cherished in our hearts.
Our family would like to thank all of the Staff at Good Samaritan LTC and the Lodge, where Mom lived for the past seven years. They cared and looked after her during exceptionally difficult times in the health profession and we sincerely appreciate and value all that they did for her and our family.
As per Mom’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and due to family health issues, no public funeral will take place. A private family service will be held in the spring and interment will be in King City Cemetery. If wished, donations in Florrie’s memory may be made to: Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation, Alliston, 705-435-6281 X2350 or Matthews House Hospice, please specify for the New Dementia Day Program, Alliston, 705-435-7218, would be greatly appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to Rod Abrams Funeral Home. Online condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
Laura Skippon says
Dearest Mare and George.. my deepest sympathy and condolences to you both.. what a wonderful tribute to your Mom .. her love of life and family lives on in you Mare.. I’m so sorry for your loss..
love Laura
Dawn Lawler says
Mary – I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your dear Mom. I have heard about her so often over the past 20+ years and know how much you loved and cherished her. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. My sincere condolences to George as well…..Take care, Dawn
Dorothy & John Fisher says
What a lovely tribute to a lovely woman. Our sincere condolences to you and George. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Sandy & Dennis O'Hara says
Mary & George
What a beautiful tribute for your Mom, reading your obituary brought back a lot of wonderful memories!!! Love the picture you chose of your Mom!! She had such a beautiful friendly smile!! As neighbors, we had great memories with your Mom and Dad!! Lots of fun!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sandy & Dennis O’Hara
Pierre Hamel says
Mare and George – So sorry to hear of Florrie’s passing… we got your phone message when we returned from 8 days in Quebec with family. Please know that our thoughts are with you. Pierre & Bruce ❤
Margaret Groombridge says
Mary and George
Our deepest sympathies to you Mary on the passing of your mother
Always
Earl and Marg Groombridge
Mary Allison and Family says
Mary and Family, I was sorry to learn of the passing of my good friend of many years and high school chum. We spent many years making lifetime memories and she will be missed dearly.
Laura & Warren McCullough says
Mary & George,
Such a wonderful tribute to your mom. My deepest condolences to all. May you find comfort in your many loving memories.
Mary Wiley says
Mary and George
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time
Garry and Mary Wiley
Joanne & Pete Duggan and family says
Our Deepest Condolences. What great memories you and everyone must have of your mother. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers ❤️
Diane and Rick Gilbert says
Mary and George,
Such a beautifully written and lovely tribute to your Mom and your family. May your wonderful memories warm your hearts and fill you with peace and love. We know you will miss her so much and we offer our deepest heartfelt sympathy to you both and your family for your loss.
Love, Diane and Rick Gilbert
Bernadette Bailey says
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your Mom.
Bernadette and Mark Bailey
Sharon Duggan & Peter Shmagola says
Mary & George. Our sincere condolences to you & the family on the passing of your dear mom. Cherish all the wonderful memories & times spent together. Our thoughts are with you.
Sharon Duggan & Peter Shmagola
Barry and Linda Matson says
Our deepest sympathy to all the family. Just loved your Mom’s lovely smile and friendly way.
Milene Wingrove says
Dear Mary,
Just returned from a Xmas visit with my son in Michigan to learn of Florrie’s passing. Your eulogy was so well written and described so well the Florrie and Gord , Al and I so cared for. Your dad and mom were great neighbours. So sorry for your loss…..deepest sympathy and big hugs
Milene
Ailene Mabee says
Mary,George, Wendy,Rob,Kim and Familes
Our deepest condolences to all on the passing of your Mother and Grandmother.I have known Florrie for many years through high school and then farm neigbours . We had many good times together,card games,travelling and art lessons from her.Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Keep in your heart all the good times you had together Hugs from Ailene and Cyril
Andrew Stevens says
Mary, George and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Sending love & hugs.
The Stevens Family
Jean, Wayne and Ching Yuen Kitchen says
Mary, George, Wendy, Rob, Kim and families,
We were saddened to hear of Florrie’s passing. I have many great memories of good times at the farm on Hwy 9, especially after Jim and I got our licences, and it seemed that every road led to the McCallums’.
Florrie and Gord were always welcoming and Florrie a jovial hostess.
My parents always enjoyed their travels with Gord and Florrie and the fun times they shared when visiting the Schomberg crew who were wintering in the sunny south.
Florrie was a kind and caring woman whose love of family was obvious.
May your precious memories of your Mother and Grandmother help you through this difficult time.
Jean, Wayne and Ching Yuen Kitchen
Norm & Mary Lipsett says
A lovely picture of Florrrie and we send our deepest condolences on your loss, she will be greatly missed.
Todd Marchant says
To all of Florrie’s family,
Our most sincere condolences go out to you all.
Todd, Marilou and Don Marchant
Rick and Linda Ruff says
Mary, George and family. Rick and I offer our heartfelt condolences in the passing of Florrie. We have known Gord and Florrie for many years and always enjoyed our visits with them.
Hugs
Rick and Linda Ruff
Judy Lipsett says
Our condolences to Mary and George and Wendy and Family , we have many wonderful memories of time spent with Gord and Florrie ,they were wonderful neighbors and friends for many years Love Cal Judy and Family
Brian and Karen Westlake says
Our deepest condolences on your loss, many fond memories of your mom and dad such a wonderful couple.
Linda Baker says
My deepest condolences in the passing of dear Florrie….words cannot
express the endearing, early memories of her constant caring, love,
confidence and joy! Florrie will be so missed and cherished ever, through
the abundance of precious memories shared amongst family and friends.L
Glen Hulse, Larry and Glenna Gould says
On behalf of the three of us, we offer our sympathies at this difficult time.
Judith Burkitt says
So sorry to hear about Florrie. I remember her so well from her picture. Never forget that wonderful smile and always kind words.
Love to the family, Judi Burkitt
Bud and Brenda says
18 years ago when we first moved to Greenbrier Florrie dubbed us the kids and to this day some of our neighbours still call us the kids, a nick name we enjoy. I have missed the Hi Neighbour greeting. We enjoyed many good euchre games and a few New Years eves with Gord and Florrie.
The McCallums were exceptional neighbours and we will always remember them fondly.
Bev &Larry Hollingshead says
Mary and George our thoughts are with you at this time upon the passing
of your mother and mother in law. Florrie was a very kind women and Mary
I know you were very close to her and will miss her dearly but good memories
will always keep her close I am sure.
Cathy and Brent Webb says
Mary and George,
We are thinking of you.
Our deepest condolences.
Cathy and Brent
Jamie & Heather Doane says
Mary and George, deepest condolences for your loss, may the good memories support you during this difficult time.
Heather and Jamie Doane