Florence Pollyanna (Klein) Russell

Florence Pollyanna Klein was born April 30, 1932 to Sam and Lena Klein.  She was the 6th of 9 kids.  Her siblings were twins Harry and Lester, Ruth, John, Elsie, Ruby Agnes, William and Marie. She was born on the family farm in Piapot, SK. She grew up and took her schooling at Lynn Grove and finished in Maple Creek.  In 1948 she started working at the hospital in Maple Creek, this is where she met her future husband Lorne.  Florence and Lorne were married on September 29, 1950 at Medicine Hat, AB.  They lived on the farm north of town where they raised two boys, Larry and Blaine. 

Grandma and Grandpa were very active and social.   From dances at the Big 4, card games in the afternoons and evenings that stretched into the night, bowling, curling, golfing they never sat still. Travelling with friends or bus trips created many special memories and friendships over the years.  From Alaska to Las Vegas and from Victoria to the Maritimes they saw it all and us kids always looked forward to what souvenirs we would get! 

In 1975 Grandma and Grandpa moved to town.  In 1988, their son Blaine built their house where many memories were made.  Grandma loved spending time in her garden and kitchen.  Peas, carrots, potatoes and tomatoes became summertime staples.  When the grandkids were old enough to pick the food many hours were spent in the garden with them.  You never left gramas house hungry as there was always a baked treat or a pail of cookies hidden for the kids.  Denver sandwiches and her macaroni were what the grandkids and great grand kids grew up on, and no one will ever match her cooking! 

Summers were spent at the cabin in Cypress Hills for many years.  The older kids went, then the younger kids and so many memories were made.  Swimming lessons, hours at the pool and beach, walks, mini golf and ice cream after super, at the end of August Grandma and Grandpa were ready for us to go back to school so they could recover!  And we can't forget Chi Chi... so many years spent feeding and trying to trap that squirrel.  

In 1964 Florence joined the Rebekah Lodge where she was a member for over 25 years.

From 1976 to 1997 she worked at Cypress Lodge.  She loved all the residents and many became like family to her. 

On October 9, 2005 Grandpa passed away.  Grandma kept herself busy with many bridge groups, the Seniors Centre, meals on wheels and church.  She never sat still.  In 2015 Grandma had one of her best summers when her granddaughter and great grandkids moved in with her for the summer.  From swimming lessons, to the playground, ice cream at Carolines, to cinnamon buns at Howard's Bakery it was a summer to remember and she was so proud to show them off around town.  In 2019 another great grandchild, Jason would fill her home and she spent many days babysitting, going to the playground and long walks.  When Lee, Aarren, Leland, and Leighton moved back to Canada in 2023 she was over the moon to have all her grandkids and great grandkids so close.  In December of 2023 Braden and Nicole had a daughter and she was beyond excited to have a girl to spoil!

In 2022 Grandma made the decision to sell the house and move to the lodge, where she resided until her passing.

Florence was predeceased by her husband Lorne, parents Sam and Lena Klein, her mother and father in law, a great grandson, Keefer, and numerous brothers and sisters and brother and sister in laws.

She is survived by her two sons Larry (Gail)  their children Lee (Aarren) their boys Leland and Leighton and Braden (Nicole) and daughter Claire. Blaine (Vonda) their children Dawn (Darren Clermont) their children Spencer, Griffin and Haylynn and Jay and his son Jason.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the swimming pool.

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