Florence Helgason

Florence Mabel Helgason (nee Mercer)

March 30, 1933 – October 23, 2019

The family of Florence Helgason are sad to announce that on October 23, 2019, Florence passed away suddenly in her home. Florence is survived by her brother, James (Bertha); daughter Alma (Glenn); grandchildren Sasha, Blair (Sam) and Chris (Brian) as well as her great-grandchildren Eli, Lila, Sophie and William. Florence was predeceased by her parents, Charlie and Hildur Mercer, eight of her siblings, husband Vilhelm, son Randy and grandson Garry.

Florence was born in Selkirk, Manitoba but was raised on Hecla Island. Florence and her twin were the first of ten children born to Charlie and Hildur Mercer. Florence met her husband Vilhelm through school, and the couple married and raised two children, Alma and Randy. In the 1960’s, the family was forced to move off Hecla Island, and they settled in Selkirk, Manitoba. This was a drastic change for the family, but they worked hard and established themselves in their new community. In the 1970’s Florence and Vilhelm decided to move back to Hecla part-time in order to commercial fish. The couple maintained their home in Selkirk while residing in Hecla as well. Florence loved being back on Hecla, but also liked to be in Selkirk because she was a very social person. In 1996, Vilhelm passed away, so Florence retired from commercial fishing, but she maintained her Hecla property on her own for several years. In her later years, Florence resided at the Lions Residence in Selkirk, which she loved. Florence was able to spend time with friends, while still maintaining her own apartment.

Florence will be remembered for her tenacious spirit, her quick wit and her generosity. Family was everything to Florence, and she made a point to maintain close connections to her immediate family, as well as cousins and distant relatives all over Canada. Florence loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she kept pictures of them around her apartment. Florence had many interests, which included playing BINGO, knitting, playing cards, bowling, attending church, having friends over and baking. Florence’s friends could always expect a strong cup of coffee and homemade baking when they came to visit. Florence will be remembered as a loving mother, doting grandmother, loyal friend and devoted Christian.

A celebration of Florence’s life will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. in the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, located at 106 Sawchuk Dr. in Selkirk, Manitoba. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Florence’s honour to the Good Shepherd Church. A private family interment will occur at a later date on Hecla Island.

Goda Nott

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