Obituary of Florence Kearney
It is with great sadness the family of Florence M. Kearney of Lawn announce her passing at the Burin Peninsula Health Care Center on January 13, 2022 at the age of 101 years.
Leaving to mourn with fond and loving memories sons Mike of Lawn, Henry (Pearl) of Lawn, Eugene (Colleen) of Lawn and Rupert (Lorna) of Paradise; daughters Madeline (Len Strang) of Lawn, Dot (Jack Strang) of Lawn, Jane (Angus Williams) of Lawn, Alice (Gord Strang) of Lawn, Bea (Tom Lake) of Lawn and Rose (Tony Lambe) of Lewin's Cove; 34 grandchildren; 42 great grandchildren; 6 great great grandchildren; sisters Mary Walsh, Catherine Roul and Anita Edwards; brother Jim Tarrant; home care workers Colleen Kearney, Raelene Strang, Natalie Kearney, Denise Kearney and Montana Earle plus a large circle of other family and friends.
Predeceased by husband Mike; parents Patrick and Jane Tarrant; daughter Mary M. Kearney Tuff and her husband Jim; son Lionel Kearney, grandchild Yolanda Kearney;daughter-in-law Ellen Mary Kearney; brothers Henry, Otto and Leo Tarrant and sister Esther Edwards.
Florence was born on Dec.12,1920 . She was the third child born to her parents,Jane and Patrick Tarrant. She grew up in Lawn and like most people of her time,lived through many lean and hard times. Although this was the case,she was undeniably blessed with loving parents and siblings, a closeness and bond that continued until her last day on earth. The love between her sisters and brother was palpable whenever they were in the same room. We all know that Uncle Jim and Aunts Anita, Mary and Kit are deeply saddened by the loss of their beloved big sister. They all shared a loving and deep connection with Florence.
In 1944, Florence literally ran away and married her one true love, Michael Kearney!Their love story started with them eloping and returning to their respective homes for 2 weeks before they shared their good news and started married life together. She said it was because Mike was so shy that it took him a while to let everyone know. Isn’t that just an amazing part of their long and storied history?
Over the course of many years, Florence and Mike welcomed 12 children and raised them all in a small house filled with lots of love. Mike was the bread winner and Florence undoubtedly was the bread Maker as well as everything else to a houseful of children who needed her. She did whatever was required,growing her own vegetables ,making clothes, and cooking for an enormous and energetic family. I’m sure her children would say that they can’t recall a time when their Mom wasn’t there. What a gift!
In 2000, Florence lost her husband to cancer after a long union of 57 years. Life certainly changed for her with Mike’s passing but then her children returned the favour.They were there for their Mom for anything and everything she needed,just as she was for them in childhood. Their constant support enabled her to stay in her own home.They were at her beck and call, visiting nightly with her and enjoying her stories of long ago. There was always lots of laughter and they kept her company until bedtime.
Several years later,Florence suffered a mini stroke but with family and home care support, she was able to live in her own home right up to her passing at 101 years of age. She was nurtured , every whim indulged ,and tucked in to her own bed every night. She was truly blessed.
The first word I’d use to describe Florence is loving. She had a big heart with lots of room for everyone who was part of her family by birth and those of us who married into it. We all felt special in her presence and none of us left her without a hug and a kiss and an “I love you.” At bedtime , everyone had to line up to get a kiss before she settled down for the night. The memory of these little rituals now gives us great comfort.
One of Florence’s greatest joys was gardening.She had a proverbial green thumb, coaxing plants to grow and bloom when no one else could.She spent many happy hours in her flower garden and enjoyed her indoor plants and flowers right to the end . Fresh flowers were always one of her favourite gifts and she was given many.
In younger years, Florence loved going to Bingo and socializing with her friends. Right up to a week before her passing , she was still enjoying playing TV Booth Bingo with her girls, always on the halves with Alice!! It was the highlight of her week and it brought her great joy.
Florence was also a woman of deep and abiding faith. She watched TV Mass every day and prayed the rosary faithfully. When she could no longer attend mass at the church, her daughter brought communion to her at home, a ritual she always treated with reverence. She trusted in God and took comfort and solace in prayer.It’s very comforting to us all to know that’s she’s now reunited with all her loved ones who have gone before her. She’s certainly earned her place in heaven.
On Dec.12th , we gathered to celebrate Florence’s 101st. Birthday .She was showered with love,gifts, good food and an endless supply of Crossword scratch tickets , another great hobby of hers. She loved winning a few dollars and she loved having a “scratch”. It was a great day , a memory we will treasure .
We are all feeling a sense of immense loss. Florence had been with us so long that it felt like she’d always be there. In our sadness , we take comfort in knowing that her illness was brief, not drawn out extending her suffering.
We thank god for his mercy in her time of need.
On Jan.13, 2022, at the privileged age of 101 years, 1 month and 1 day, Florence went to heaven. Hers was a life well lived. She was remarkable in every sense. How blessed we were to have her.
Florence leaves a truly unbelievable legacy of 12 children ( 2 deceased) , 34 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren. She will live on without a doubt.
“ To live in the hearts of those we love is not to die.”
Rest In Peace ,Mom
Forever loved.
Lovingly submitted by Lorna Kearney,
Florence’s daughter-in-law
In keeping with COVID regulations there will be a private visitation and funeral at Serenity Funeral Home, Burin.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, Burin.
"We listen. We learn. We walk with you."
In Loving Memory
Florence Kearney
1920 - 2022
