Obituary of Florence Thomas

It is with great sadness that the family of Florence Evelyn (Brown) Thomas, age 86, announces her death which occurred on Friday, June 15, 2018 at the Sussex Health Centre.  She was born on December 13, 1931, in Bald Hill, NB, the youngest daughter of the late George and Emily (Ebett) Brown.

Florence was the only child born in Canada following her family relocating to New Brunswick from Ireland in 1930. She attended the Bald Hill School from Grades 1-10 and went on to graduate from Modern Business College in Saint John. 

She enjoyed being a stay - at - home Mom to Janet and Gary. She was always there for her children and they fondly recall that she was only a phone call away whenever they needed "rescuing" (especially Gary). 

Later she did secretarial work for the Motor Vehicle Branch in Sussex as well as the Department of Tourism in Saint John. 

She also spent time volunteering for the Red Cross, the Information Centre in Sussex and the Sussex Health Centre Gift Shop. She also spent 4 years with the Minor Basketball League selling tickets and doing various other jobs that were needed. 

She loved to go on bus tours within Canada and the United States.  In 1994 at the age of 63 years she went on the trip of a lifetime travelling to Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales with her travelling buddy, Anne. 

Florence had many talents including sewing (she made all her clothes as she was very frugal), knitting, crocheting and quilting. She always had busy hands and passed on her talents to her daughter, Janet.  She made friends easily and she had a very caring and kind heart. 

She had a real zest for life and was often heard making flattering (and unflattering) remarks to anyone passing by.  She was definitely one sassy lady full of attitude and spice who was well loved by all who know her!

She is survived by her daughter Janet Ross and her husband Keith of Fredericton, NB; son Gary Thomas of Penobsquis, NB; guardian angel Carrie (Mark) Coombs and their children Braeden and Briella; grandchildren Jenna Ross (Nicholas Malmanche), Corey Cunningham (Becca MacMackin), Shawn Thomas (Megen Smith); great-grandchildren Oona, Thelonious, Addison, Brooklyn; sister Ena Sills; several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her sisters Sara Thomas, Annie Briggs; brother John Brown and the father of her children, Clifford Thomas.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, (506-433-1176) from where Florence’s Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, June 18, 2018 at 3pm.  Interment will be at Riverbank Cemetery.

If you are considering making a memorial donation in memory of Florence, the family has recommended the Alzheimer Society, Kiwanis Nursing Home or charity of your choice.  Condolences to the family and donations may be made through WallaceFuneralHome.com