Obituary of Florence Irene Schmuland
Please click here to view Florence's online photobook
Florence Irene Schmuland (nee Rathgeber)
December 29, 1927 – April 13, 2020
Florence, late of Regina, SK, passed away on Monday, April 13, 2020 at the age of 92, in the comfort of palliative care and some family with her, after suffering a stroke a day earlier. She was predeceased by her husband Herbert; her parents, Louis and Barbara Rathgeber; her brothers, Victor, Ernest, Walter, and Edward; and one granddaughter Brianna. Florence is survived by her five children, Glenn (Barb), Bob (Lucille), Brenda (Harvey) Embury, Kathy (Dave) Bahsler, and Jerry (Laurie); her sisters, Alvina, Violet (Allan) Davis, and Gladys (Dave) Moncks; brothers, Alvin (Pat) and Norman (June); her sisters-in-law, Eileen, Nancy, and Audrey Govinchuck; her grandchildren, Moira (Jonty), Brian (Erin), Bryce (Chanda), Nevan (fiancée Jenna), Kendra (Tyler), Kayla (Jay), Kristin (Fred), Danielle (Jon), Taryn (Jinho), Brock (Chelsey), Haley, and Karis; her great-grandchildren, Maddoc, Malcolm, Macsen, Linden, Ayana, Arie, Adelyn, Cheya, Lenah, and Paisley; as well many nieces and nephews, her many “adopted” grandchildren and her very good friend Marion.
Florence was born at the family home southeast of Fenwood, Saskatchewan. She grew up and attended school at the Keningsberg School. Being the third born of ten children, she was a big help on the family farm by doing many of the farm chores and helping her mom look after her siblings. Florence met Herb when the youth groups from the churches they attended had get togethers, and they were married in 1948. They lived their early days on a rented farm north of Fenwood, and in 1953 they bought land southeast of Fenwood, only a mile from where Florence grew up. They spent the next 25 years farming in the Fenwood area, making a living by mixed farming on their land. They sold the farm in 1978, retired from farming and moved to Regina. After the move to Regina, her career changed to work with Herb providing janitorial services for several businesses.
Florence’s life and work were guided by her love of God and her church families were of much inspiration and fulfillment for her. She was a member of Fenwood Baptist Church, Melville Baptist Church, and Faith Baptist Church in Regina. As the years passed, she often lamented that many of her church friends had passed on before her, leaving her more and more alone. After the loss of their husbands, through the contact made in Grief Share, a wonderful person entered her life. Marion and mom had a common loss, but that only made for a friendship that grew over coffee, meals and rides around the city. The family is so grateful for the friendship that Marion provided our mom.
Florence’s network of friends grew through her involvement in her children’s and grand children’s lives, and over the years, she became known as “grandma” to many others outside of her family. Her neighbours at Wascana Manor, provided oversight and fellowship for her during her 17 years living there.
Her last days became ones of extreme loneliness due to the self-isolation required of the COVID-19 community restrictions, but she was committed to do her part. At the age of 92, she learned to use technology to allow her to video conference with her family.
The family wishes to thank the Health Care system in Saskatchewan and the many front-line workers for the excellent response and care given to our mom.
Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, a private family interment will be held at Regina Memorial Gardens. A memorial service will be announced and held at a later date.
Family and friends so wishing may make donations, in memoriam, to the Faith Baptist Building Fund, with online giving available at fbcregina.ca/give.
