Obituary of Florence Irene Embree

Florence Irene (Slager) Embree was born on December 1, 1927 in Swift Current, Saskatchewan to John and Deborah Slager. The family moved in the early 1930's to Beacon Hill, Saskatchewan where her first notable achievement was to get lost (at five years old). She went to school in Beacon Hill and later worked as a practical nurse in Kitimat, B.C. then at the Cross Cancer Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. She helped her brother, Bill, on his mink ranch in 1948-1949 then worked again as a practical nurse at the hospital in Goodsoil, Saskatchewan. While there as a night nurse she had the honor of helping Mrs. Joe Bender deliver her first baby. This was the first birth that she helped with while on her own. Florence married Joseph Embree on July 7, 1953 on the family farm in Emberville, Saskatchewan. Two weeks later Joe was shipped to Germany. He returned in 1955 and on May 9, 1956 the couple moved to Little Prairie, B.C. Florence worked for the first doctor in Little Prairie, Dr. Christianson, she kept books for Campbell's store, worked for the local post office for roughly two years and then in the office at the IGA for roughly five years. Florence was known for her beautiful handwork, jams and baking, and she and Joe both enjoyed gardening. Florence passed away on December 25th, 2008 in Chetwynd, B.C. at the age of 81 years. She is predeceased by her parents, John and Deborah, her brothers: Jake, Carl, Bill, Ernie, David and Paul, and her sisters: Clara, Frances and Agnes. She is survived by her husband Joe, son Michael, daughter Michelle (Ken) Wykes, her grandchildren Serena, Ben, Katie, Joe and Amanda, her great-granddaughter Gigi, her sister Eunice and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. All of whom enjoyed dropping in to their second home for a cup of coffee and a sweet treat Florence's family has chosen to hold a memorial service later this year. Arrangements were under the care of Reynars Funeral Home and Crematorium.