Marie Florence Bray
June 11, 1922 — May 15, 2013
MARIE FLORENCE BRAY
(HAMELIN)
1922-2013
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Florence Bray of Oakville, Manitoba. Florence passed on Wednesday, May 15th, 2013 at the Lions Prairie Manor, in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba after a brief illness.
Florence was born on June 11, 1922 in Pigeon Lake, Manitoba, the second of seven children to Alexandre and Corona Hamelin (Laramee). Florence married Allan in 1943 and Oakville became her home where her life was dedicated to being a wife and a mother. Florence was known for her capacity for work as well as her cooking - no one that entered her home ever left hungry. Florence worked hard on the farm; her energy and ambition were instrumental in its success and the success of her children. Despite her personal lack of opportunity, Florence was an advocate for education and saw that her children had every opportunity in that regard. Later in life Florence took great enjoyment out of annual winter trips to Arizona and to visit Jack and family in Florida.
Florence is survived by her children, Lynne Clark (Bill Alford) of Oakville, Manitoba, Jack Bray (Doreen) of Tampa, Florida, Ted Bray (Pat) of Oakville, Manitoba and Jill Bray (Grant Powell) of Summit, NJ. Florence leaves behind eight grandchildren, Kevin, Julie, Matthew, Kelly, Jon, Ben, Alec and Owen as well as nine great grandchildren, Ashley, Morgan, Samantha, Walker, Maisy, Kaitlyn, Gabriel, Isabella and Max. Florence also leaves behind her siblings, Doris Colvin of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Ronald Hamlin of Stettler, Alberta and Ulysse Hamelin of St. Francis Xavier, Manitoba as well as many in-laws, nephews, nieces, and cousins. Florence was pre-deceased by her parents, her husband of 63 years, Allan Bray of Oakville, her siblings Anthony (Tony) Hamelin, Claire Blight and Joseph Hamelin.
In keeping with Florence's wishes, there will be a private Graveside Service at Oakville Cemetery, at a later date.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the staff of Parkside at the Lions Prairie Manor who went above and beyond to provide our mother with the most compassionate care.
As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Florence’s memory to Lions Prairie Manor Foundation Inc., 24 - 9th Street SE, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3V4.
A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. 204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com