Obituary of Florence Janet Shane

January 5, 1924 – Buchanan, Saskatchewan

April 18, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

On Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the age of 100, our beautiful and much-loved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Florence Shane (nee Murphy), passed away peacefully at home.

Florence was predeceased (by just 18 days) by her beloved husband Lorne, her parents, Luke and Clara (Myrfield) Murphy; siblings, Claude (Peggy) Murphy, June Snell, Jim (Helen) Murphy, Irma (Bill) Johns, Claire Murphy, Jack Murphy, and Dorothy Rampur; and brother-in-law Henry Dewart.

She is survived by her sister Della Dewart, daughters, Sharon (Paul) Shane, Lorna Shane, and Kait (Doug) Shane; grandchildren, Liam Matthews, Claire Shiminsky, and Kyra Greif; and many nieces and nephews.

Born on January 5, 1924, in the village of Buchanan, SK, Florence grew up on the Murphy family farm south of Rama, SK. She was the third oldest of nine children of Luke and Clara Murphy. Florence often reminisced fondly about growing up on the farm, milking cows, riding horses, playing softball, and going to dances at Main Road School in Rama. She was very intelligent and loved school but had to drop out at the age of thirteen when her mother contracted tuberculosis and was confined to a sanitorium for a year. As her older sister June had already left home, Florence took on the responsibilities of cooking, cleaning, and washing for the family and the hired men, as well as taking care of her five younger siblings, including three-year-old twins. Despite hardships like this, Florence always managed to see the bright side of life. She eventually completed grade ten by correspondence and then took a Commercial course in Yorkton, setting her up for a secretarial career. She left home at the age of eighteen to work in Ottawa during World War II and was in Ottawa for the excitement of Victory Day celebrations in 1945. After the heavy responsibilities of her younger years, Florence was in no hurry to settle down. She enjoyed travelling and visited many different Canadian cities. After Ottawa, she lived and worked in Saskatoon, Calgary, New Westminster, and Vancouver, before meeting and marrying her life partner Lorne Shane in Montreal in 1960.

Lorne and Flo eventually settled in the lovely village of Rosemere, QC, where daughters, Sharon, Lorna and Kait spent their early years. The family enjoyed many happy times taking camping trips and visiting with family and friends before resettling in Calgary in the late 70s. In the early eighties, Florence began working as a legal secretary for Bennett Jones. Florence always loved working with lawyers and was very interested in the law. She was initially hired to work with senior partner J.J. Saucier—who appreciated her skill in the lost art of shorthand—and remained with the firm until she retired at the age of 72; working with a succession of lawyers and other colleagues who not only appreciated her skills and work ethic but also her wit and great sense of fun. After retiring in 1996, Flo and Lorne took a much-anticipated trip to Ireland. In later years, she spent much of her time caring for her beloved grandchildren, who were frequent visitors to the Shane house. She was always the heart of the house and all the family gatherings that took place there over the years.

Florence loved music, any and all types of music, from country music to opera. She learned to chord on the piano at a young age to accompany her father on the violin. She went on to play the trumpet in the Main Road School band, which her father Luke supported by bringing in instruments from Winnipeg. Florence passed on her love of music to her children and grandchildren, who cherish memories of sitting at the piano with her while she played by ear.

Caring for others was the enduring theme of Florence’s life. She will always be remembered for her selflessness, compassion, and her never-failing wit and sense of humour, which remained with her to the end.

The family is grateful to the Alberta Health dementia care team, particularly Delores Bishop; and the aides of CBI, Caregivers, and Vytality, some of whom truly went above and beyond to help us keep Florence at home with us where she belonged.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Sunday, April 28, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Monday, April 29, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, 800, 7015 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 2K6, Telephone: (403)290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.com.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Florence’s family here.

In living memory of Florence Shane, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.