February 03, 1949 – February 20, 2025
at the age of 76 years:
To the world she was Florence Edna Townsend with a middle name she never liked. But to family and friends she was “Mick.” Despite her six-foot adult size she was born premature and into an incubator. When her father, Arthur Mayo, who enjoyed a drop of rye and dry, first saw her, he noted that she was no bigger than a mickey. So she remained to the point that on the first day of school her mother, Florence May, had to remind her that her actual name was “Florence” and that she would be called.
When she was thirteen, she went to a party in Victoria. There a fifteen-year-old Dale saw her and eventually found the courage to phone her and ask her out. The date was a success and seven years later they were married.
An excellent typist she converted Dale’s scrawl into neat essays and so arose the family joke that her bill for services was the rings on her fingers. Since she had access to Dale’s banking, she was able to save money for a purchase of land and down payment on a house when Salmon Arm beckoned. After marriage and a time in Toronto and return to Victoria, Salmon Arm offered employment. Mickey worked at the Royal Bank and then at home raised her three children: Shannon, married now to Jason Venning; Christopher, married to Gena, nee Elam; and Ashleigh, married to Jeremy Fry. Eventually she became the long-term dispatch at the local transit office. Thus many, many people knew “Florence.”
Taking after her parents Mickey was an accomplished ballroom dancer. Her love extended to travelling and on one trip the cruise ship invited the passengers to occupy the stage for dancing while the ship’s band practised. And she became an unwitting part of the day’s entertainment as the auditorium filled. A trip across Canada in a small van conversion was a highlight and strengthened the marital bonds. But the trip she enjoyed most was the visit to Ireland immediately after County Mayo had won a major sporting event and was flying every flag.
Despite her failing health Mick was able in her last year to spend time with her three children and seven grandchildren. Dying on 20 February 2025, Mick leaves behind a severely bereft husband who is extremely grateful to Vince and Tammy Fischer for their kindness and support.
Hi Dale and kids: Boy, this one really knocked me for a loop! What a flood of memories are bombarding me right now. And I feel so helpless and powerless by not being able to say anything to lessen your loss. All I can do is think of all the times we got together way back in the 1980’s. Someone said that “every person’s passing diminishes me some”. It’s true for me, and no wonder I’m getting smaller by the year. But, never give in to despair — no preaching from me, but there is ultimately more involved in our putting up with all this heartbreak than we can realize.
We were fortunate to have Florence as our secretary at the Salmon Arm Transit Service.
We hired Florence when we first started the service.
She was always helpful and efficient.
Thankyou Florence from all of us.
Dear Dale, So sorry to hear about Florence’s passing. Wishing you all the very best, Terri-Jo Everest. P.S. Our next shared lunch is on me! Reach out whenever you want.
Dear Dale,
Sherry and I were saddened to hear of Mickie’s passing. I remember her as such a quick thinking happy person. Our thoughts are with you And yours.
250-833-5134
Dear Dale & Family, We were sorry to hear of Florence’s passing. She was a lovely lady and I enjoyed visiting with her. We were surprised to hear of her passing and not sure when the service at Fischer was/is. I knew a lot of your family so please pass on my condolences. Once in awhile we would see you in town and have a nice visit. Our kids always loved you as their teacher Dale. Passing on our prayers and am feeling for you at this difficult time.
Dear Dale & Family, We are so sorry for your loss. We have many fond memories of the times with Florence, whether it was camping, sharing the dance floor or simply in conversation. These past years have been physically challenging yet throughout Florence faced life with courage and deep inner strength. She was a remarkable person and will be missed. Please accept our deepest condolences. We hold you and your family in our hearts and prayers. Debbie & Erik