Obituary of Florence Audrey Friend
Florence Audrey Friend
(November 23, 1934 - November 15, 2023)
Florence Friend (nee Reber) was born at Hardisty, Alberta on November 23, 1934 and passed away peacefully November 15th, at St. Mary’s hospital, in Camrose with family at her side.
After spending her early childhood in Hardisty, Florence moved with her parents, Helen and Lou Reber, sister Phoebe and brother Raymond, to Rosalind on land homesteaded in 1902 by her great grandfather. In 1952, Florence married Ronald Friend and together they farmed until Ronald’s sudden passing on August 11, 1988.
Florence was very much a farm wife. Raising four children, she was not only a homemaker but an equal partner in all of the farm work. Florence could, and did, operate all the farm equipment, fixed fence, milked cows, and tended to chickens, turkeys and beef cattle. She had a love of all animals and there was often some baby animal being nursed back to health under her care. Florence always had a large garden, harvested and preserved to last the whole winter. She would sew, knit and cut hair for not only her family but neighbours as well. Her dedication to the Rosalind community meant many volunteer hours as well. She was an excellent cook. Florence, we wonder how you did it all!
Following Ronald’s death in 1988, Florence remained on the farm for seven more years before moving into Rosalind. After moving to Rosalind one of the first things she did was prepare space for a large vegetable garden. She continued helping at the farm whenever she could. Florence moved to Camrose in 2006; first to her own home, then to Deer Meadows where she remained until her hospitalization.
Florence remained strong and determined in spite of the ravages of her disease. Her family was of utmost importance to her and she will be so dearly missed. Her strength in the face of all the challenges will be an enduring inspiration to all her family.
Florence is survived by her children Greg (Cheryl) Friend, Cindy (Bill) Bowie, Harry (Charlene) Friend, and Steven (Jaclyn) Friend; grandchildren Matthew Friend, Jeffrey Friend, Brandy (Jarod) Banack, Wes Bowie, Nathan (Kristen) Bowie, Ashley (Dallas) Sehlstrom, Tara (Derek) Schneider, Brittny Friend (Bryce), Ryan Friend (Kelby), Chance Friend (Kailynne), Karli Haeberle, Kaitlin Haeberle (Casey), Kirstin Haeberle; and fifteen Great-Grandchildren. Florence is also survived by her sister-in-law Sheila Reber.
Florence was predeceased by husband Ronald; infant son Reginald; her parents Lou and Helen Reber; brother Raymond Reber; sister Phoebe Reed; brother-in-law Bric Reed; niece Debbie Drever; and nephew Michael Reed. Florence was also predeceased by Ronald’s parents Harry and Edith Friend; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Bert and Genevieve Friend, Audrey and John Robertson, and Joyce and Al Moore.
As per Florence’s request, no funeral service will be held. A private family gathering and inurnment will take place at a later date. Charitable donations in Florence’s memory, for those who so chose, would be gratefully accepted by Rosalind Agricultural Society, Greenview Cemetery, Cross Cancer Hospital Wig Program or a charity of choice.
