Florence Storseth
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, great grandmother and dear friend, Florence Storseth on June 30, 2022 at the age of 98.
Florence was born the 12th of November, 1923 in New Norway, Alberta. She was the 4th of 9 Children and the second daughter born to James and Clara Coley. She lived in New Norway, AB until the age of 5 when she moved with her family to the Fort Assiniboine area. Her and her siblings went to school there and enjoyed growing up on the farm where there was no shortage of things to do.
Florence met Olav Storseth and they were married in June of 1942. Shortly after that Olav was called to the Army and entered into the war and didn’t return home until 1946. They then started their family, Douglas, Sylvia, Hilda and Iver and began full time farming, which they did together until Olav’s passing in 1977. They had a small mixed farming operation and had pigs, cows, chickens and grain. Florence would grow a large garden which always kept the family well fed. She also had several flower beds in the yard and was known for her beautiful gladiolas and many friends were the recipients of glorious bouquets.
In her later years she became a hunter and along with her brother Marvin would quite often be successful with a moose or deer. And many people remember her escapades with the local black bears. She also was able to rid the area of several of them –all with the permission of the local Wildlife officers.
She was always involved with her community and one of her passions was the Ladies Auxiliary to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #210. Florence was a proud Charter member of the Fort Assiniboine Legion Auxiliary and over the years became a life member. She spent countless hours fundraising for the Auxiliary and was the president for many years.
Once she became a grandma, life was never the same. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. She spent much of her time watching their sports or babysitting them and enjoyed seeing the world through their eyes. She always had fresh buns ready whenever they would come to visit and she loved taking care of them. Many neighbors and friends enjoyed her homemade doughnuts and the homemade ice cream she made was exquisite. Many a Saturday evening was spent enjoying that treat.
Florence enjoyed travelling and made 2trips to Norway as well as several winters spent in the warmer states of Arizona and Nevada. She loved spending time in BC with her sisters and often drove out there either by herself or with friends. She also went on many trips with Sylvia, Don and Jason and they enjoyed showing her many new sights.
After Olav passed away in 1977, Florence continued to stay on the farm and she rented out the land to neighbors. In 1996, she sold the farm and moved into Barrhead. She continued to make many new friends and joined many activities at the Senior Drop in Centre. She enjoyed meeting new people and learned to make a new home in town. She always said that when she retired to town, she was going to sleep in but she never did learn to do that. She was always up by 6inthe morning because there just wasn’t any point to staying in bed after you were awake.
Florence spent the last few years in Shepherd’s Care in Barrhead and she always enjoyed the games, visitors and special services that were held there.
Florence will be missed and lovingly remembered by her 4 children: Douglas (Marilyn), Sylvia Zwarg, Hilda (Laverne) Froese, Iver (Joanne) Storseth. 4grandchildren: Brian (Amal) Storseth, Bjarne (Sharmaine) Storseth, Jared (Char-lee) Thompson, Brita Storseth. 11 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
She was predeceased by her husband Olav, parents James & Clara Coley, all her brothers and sisters, son-in-law Don Zwarg, grandchildren Shantell Storseth and Jason Zwarg. She will forever be missed and lovingly remembered.
Cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations gratefully accepted to Hillcrest Cemetery, Fort Assiniboine, AB.
