MacISAAC (Steele), Florence Anne

The Great Escape

My soul escaped from my body on April 9, 2024 at Hospice Cape Breton in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Death is indeed an escape from all things painful and troubling. With death comes peace. Perfect peace at last.

I had a great life. I was born on July 27, 1939. World War II started and I was born - two important happenings of that year. My childhood was in Rear Boisdale with my parents, John and Jesse (Campbell) Steele. I had no living siblings. I had a sister who was stillborn before me and a brother when I was ten, but he only lived a few days. I always said one knew I was coming and the other knew I was here, so they didn't stick around. I was educated in MacAdams Lake, Boisdale Consolidated and Rankin Memorial schools, Nova Scotia Normal College, Xavier Junior College and CBU. I earned my BA from CBU in 1986. This was a personal goal that took about 25 years, but I did it. I had the privilege and the pleasure of being an elementary teacher for 35 years.

I married the love of my life, Charlie, in 1964. He was my bus driver in my last year of high school. Imagine that. We were married for 40 years before he passed on to his eternal reward. We had two sons, Stephen Charles and John Patrick, and they are left to mourn my passing.

I had some fun in my life. I enjoyed traveling, dancing, reading and liked to write things. I especially like playing cards in my later years and I sincerely thank those who put up with me while doing that. I had spoken Gaelic as a child, but did not use it for many years. However, I got into it again in the early 2000’s. I made many wonderful friends through Gaelic activities. Many of those friends were young and they were great to visit me. I love the Gaelic immersion weekends at the Gaelic College.

I leave behind my family, my sons; my grandsons, Trent and Tyler. You make my life complete. My daughter-in-law, Mae Lynn. My dear cousin, Sandra. My cousin, Francine. My nieces, Annie Jane and Robin and a great many friends. I can't name them all as I'll surely leave someone out. However, I want to name five: Carmella, friends since we were eight. Anne McKenzie, my friend above all friends, Mae Rowe, my always ready to go party friend and tarbish teacher. Elaine, my ready for an adventure friend, and Anne McNeil, my friend who was always feeding me and didn't I love taking her loonies! I also leave my other family the Wukitschs’ - Jane, Paul, Maggie, Jules and Laura. You have always treated me with such love and respect. Enough on that! Loved you all.

I will be laid to rest beside my husband Charles, in the cemetery in Boisdale. I will forever belong to Saint Andrew’s Parish and the Hill of Boisdale. I want to thank my son Stephen for his love and care over the years. I was able to do many things with your help. Especially my bucket list trip to Ireland and Scotland. I would also like to thank my son John Pat for his love over the years. I thank you for my grandsons, and your encouragement when I had to make big decisions. I wish everyone a good day. Remember, I'm watching from somewhere. Be kind to each other.

Visitation for Florence will be held from 4-8 p.m., Sunday, April 14th at W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday at St. Columba Church, Iona, with Rev. Victor Ozonoh officiating. Burial to follow at St. Andrew’s Parish Cemetery, Boisdale. There will be a reception immediately following at the Boisdale Fire Hall. Charitable donations can be made to Hospice Cape Breton or the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences can be left for the family by leaving a message on the tribute wall of the obituary at: www.wjdooley.com