Obituary of Florence Ethel McDonald

Florence of Calgary, passed away on May 27, 2009 at the age of 82 years. Florence was born on a farm in Carbon, AB., on July 19, 1926. She was the daughter of Vincent Castiglione and Agnes Saul, homesteaders from England who came to Alberta in 1905. She was the youngest of six girls, and has two younger brothers. Challenging times and a hard land that was Alberta in the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s shaped this family. Pioneering spirit and values of many Albertans can easily be seen in all members of the family. In 1939 the family moved from Carbon to Calgary. After the war she met and married Donald J. Boppre. Married for 28 years, together they raised three sons and a daughter in Calgary, until his death in 1975. She remarried a very good boyhood friend of Donald’s, Sylvester McDonald (Sam). They embraced both the joys and sorrows of life until Sam passed away in 1997. Mom was quick to ask you “so what do you know for sure?” or when asked how she was doing her response was always “anybody I can, so watch out !” Let’s just say she gave you fair warning. Left to mourn are her sons Gordon, Lorne (Jennifer), daughter Cindy (Dave), grandchildren Julia (Ken), Erin (Mark), Melissa (Lucas) and Candice (John). She is also survived by great grandchildren Tailor, Lucas, Mike, Emma and Maya as well as brothers Vincent (Bev), Clifford (Verna), special niece Joyce McKinley and numerous other nieces and nephews. Florence was predeceased by her husbands Donald Boppre in 1975 and Sylvester A. (Sam) McDonald in 1997, her son Robert Boppre in 1984, her mother in 1926 and father in 1962. She was also predeceased by her sisters, Agnes, Marie, Alice, Thelma and Lucielle. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at St. Gerard’s Catholic Church (8944 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Gerard’s Catholic Church (8944 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Chinook Hospice, 1261 Glenmore Trail S.W., Calgary AB T2V 4Y8, Telephone: (403 258-0040. The family wishes to thank Dr. J. Pivnic and Michelle, Sunnyhill Wellness Center, Rockyview General Hospital Unit 56 and Chinook Hospice. Special warm thank you to Johnny and Don, Mom’s long time neighbours for their support, help and friendship. In living memory of Florence McDonald, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.