Florence Christibell Lewis
January 27, 1925 - April 27, 2020
With deep sorrow we announce the peaceful passing of our
beloved mother, Florence Christibell Lewis on April 27, 2020.
Florence was born January 27, 1925 in Two Hills, Alberta
to Howard and Winifred Henderson, the eldest of 6 children.
Our grandmother was left a widow and the children fatherless
when Mom was 8 years old. Hard times prevailed but family was
important. At the age of 14 Florence was sent to live with family
friends to attend school and to help out with the family’s children
and chores. Later on Florence worked in Edmonton for a short
time and then at the age of 18 she enlisted in the Canadian Armed
Forces and became a WAC. She trained in Kingston, Ontario and
was stationed in Ottawa where she worked in Transportation as
a driver. Mom was so proud of this accomplishment. These few
years impacted and guided her life instilling in her the strength
she carried the rest of her life. In 1947 she met and married
Jack Summerhays and they had 5 children. Mom always went
without to provide for her kids. Florence was a daughter, a
sister, a mother, a friend, a cook, a golfer, a curler, a dancer and
a tireless volunteer. She was a life member of the Royal Canadian
Legion Branch # 3 for 73 years, a Ladies Auxiliary Member holding
many positions and belonged to St. Michaels’ Anglican Church
for years. It was important to Mom that her kids attend Sunday
School and Church where we were all baptized and confirmed
along with many of her grandchildren. Florence was always there
to lend a helping hand in the community she loved so much.
She retired from the Bow River Lodge after 16 years of service
as a dedicated cook. The meals were homemade and much
appreciated by all the Seniors. In 1988, Florence volunteered
with the Winter Olympics. This experience for her was exciting,
fun and a memorable time. It is here where she met her dear
friend Ted Bohnet as they were both drivers for the athletes.
Mom and Ted were inseparable and had 30 years of happiness
which both families were grateful for. Florence is survived
by her children: daughter, Linda Weller; sons, Lorne (Donna),
Roy and Gary (Pattie) Summerhays. She has 8 grandchildren:
Chris Summerhays, Darin (Amanda) Summerhays, Lesley
(Jeremy) DeGagne, Jeannie (William McDonald) Summerhays,
Wade Summerhays, Ryan ( Jessica) Summerhays,
Brendon Summerhays and last but not least Adrian Weller;
11 great grandchildren and also survived by numerous
nieces and nephews which include Rudy and Pat Zawada
and their 3 sons along with a handful of cousins. Mom loved
all her kids and grandkids. She was so proud of all their
accomplishments. She did everything she could for us and was
always there when we needed her. Florence was the eldest
and last remaining of her siblings. She was predeceased by her
loving son Laverne Summerhays (2012); great granddaughter,
Alayna Summerhays (2014) and longtime friend and companion
Ted Bohnet (2017). We would like to thank the nurses,
LPN’s and staff of Parkland Annex, Southwood Long Term
Care Centre for the loving care, kindness and compassion our
Mother received. We would also like to thank Maura and
staff of The Colonel Belcher Care West Assisted Living
where Mom resided for 2 years when she first moved to
Calgary. Florence will be laid to rest in the Veteran’s Field of
Honor, Canmore Cemetery, in a private graveside service on
May 8, 2020. A Celebration of our Mother’s Life will be held at
St. Michael’s Anglican Church once the Covid-19 restrictions
have been lifted. To view and share photos, condolences and
stories of Florence please visit www.choicememorial.com
