Florence Latitia Hammond

Florence Latitia Hammond (Taylor)

Florence passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Wednesday September 14, 2022 at the wonderful age of 98. Florence was born July 9, 1924, on the family farm to Violet and Lester Taylor of the Rowena district. She attended elementary school at Rowena, and high school in Ruthilda. Her parents farmed in the Rowena district until 1946, when they and five of the seven children moved to British Columbia. By this time Florence had married Vernon Hammond from the Springwater district. They courted at dances and their love of dancing continued well into their 71st year of married life.

Florence and Vernon lived on the Hammond family homestead in the Springwater district from the time they married in October 1942 until they moved into Biggar the fall of 1973. In their first 12 years five children were born, Hugh, Jim, Violet, Lou and Janice.

Like many farm women of her day, Florence had a large garden, raised chickens and turkeys, and did a tremendous amount of pickling and canning. Sales of eggs and cream were fundamental to paying for things for the household. The early days meant hanging clothes to dry on the line, summer and winter, and there were very few conveniences. Her days were long and the work could be hard, but she met it with a smile and never complained. There was always a cup of tea or room at the table for a neighbor, a family member or the Watkins or Raleigh salesmen, who seemed to plan their route around dinner at the Hammond farm. Florence’s pastry was wonderful, and everyone loved her pies and tarts, which were a Saturday specialty without fail.

Farm life wasn’t all work though. There was always time for visiting family and friends, playing cards, curling and of course, dancing. And there were many community activities. Florence and Vernon believed firmly in the importance of contributing to the community. Florence was very active in the local 4-H Club, taking a leadership role for many years. As a member of the local Ladies Club she organized showers and teas and many a fowl supper. During the 60's Vernon and Florence became involved in the Co-op movement at the local and provincial levels, Florence with the Women's Co-operative Guild. The opportunity to access continuing education through the Guild had a lasting impact on Florence and provided an opening to a world outside the local community.

In the fall of 1973 Florence and Vernon retired from the farm and moved to Biggar. They curled during the winter and did some old-time dancing. This soon changed to square dancing, which became a great passion for over twenty years. They had an R. V. by now and square dancing provided the incentive to travel to some national and international events, ranging from Arizona to Alaska and many places in Canada. They also enjoyed winters in Arizona. Florence and Vernon were actively involved in the planning and construction of New Horizons, the Biggar Seniors Centre. Florence volunteered as a driver of the Courtesy Car and delivered Meals on Wheels. With the support and encouragement of its first Executive Director, Gwen Gray, Florence trained and worked as a homecare aid. This gave her tremendous satisfaction as she had always wanted to be a nurse! Florence was involved with New Horizons for 33 years sitting on the Board of Directors, acting as secretary to the board for ten of those years, and often covering for coordinator absences. The Biggar Museum also benefited from Florence’s contributions as she served on the Board for 17 years.

Florence and Vernon moved to Norwest Seniors apartments in 2007. With the support of her wonderful and caring friends at Norwest, the comfort and watchful eyes of the Home Care aids and nurses, and Biggar’s loyal volunteers delivering Meals on Wheels, Florence was able to live independently until May of 2022 when she moved to Stonebridge Crossing Retirement Home in Saskatoon.

Florence will be remembered for her strong beliefs that family was central to everything, that much could be achieved by working together for the community in the spirit of cooperation such that all benefit, that education and careers are important for both women and men, and for the importance of caring for others. She will also be remembered for her personal qualities of kindness, acceptance of all, supporting those who are vulnerable, sharing what you had even if it meant coming off of her plate to ensure that there was enough for everyone, her quiet calmness in the face of turbulence and her support for her children whatever their goals.

Florence faced the last six months the same way she had lived her life – with a quiet acceptance for things she could not change, a steely determination to make it through and make the best of things in difficult circumstances, and an amazing ability to still see humour and beauty in her surroundings. She will be missed terribly!

Florence was predeceased by her soul mate and dance partner, Vernon (2013), her daughter Violet (1988), son Hugh (2019) and son-in-law Stan (2022). She is survived by son Jim (Joanne), and daughters Lou (Neil) and Janice (Don), daughter-in-law Sharon, 17 Grandchildren, 34 Great Grandchildren, and 6 Great Great Grandchildren. A service in celebration of her life will be held Saturday October 8 2022, at 1 P.M. in the Biggar United Church.

Florence’s family would like to thank the staff of Kindersley and Biggar Hospitals for their care of Florence in her final months. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Biggar New Horizons, Museum, or United Church, or Sask Abilities.

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