Obituary of Florence Elizabeth Heard

The last of her generation, Florence passed away peacefully at Wildwood Care Centre, St. Marys on Saturday February 21 in her 92nd year.

She is survived by her children Wendy (Brian) Anderson of Tavistock, Joan Heard (John) of Manotick and John (Barb) of Thorndale, her grandchildren Heather (Dennis) Peters and their children Hailey and Elliott, Amber Anderson, Alexander Anderson, Meg Julian (Mark) and their children Bruce and Ellen, Sarah Julian, Hillary (Steve) Morriss and their children Abbey, Jacob and Robyn and Melanie (Kyle) Harris and their children Kendall, Bronson and Corbyn.

She was pre-deceased by her husband Raymond, her daughter-in-law Peggy Heard and all of Raymond’s immediate family.  She was also pre-deceased by her sister Isabel Thomson and her brother-in-law Clarence.

Florence was born and raised on a farm just outside Lieury in McGillvary Township, the second daughter of William and Elizabeth Armstrong.  She married Raymond Heard in 1955 and they began their life as dairy farmers on the 4th line of Blanshard Township.  Their family soon followed.  She was very involved in her church, first at Anderson and then at Kirkton United Church, serving in many capacities on the UCW.  She was a 4-H homemaking club leader for many years and enjoyed following the accomplishments of her club members.  She was a true partner in Kallabash Farms which enabled her to carry on the farm when Raymond died suddenly in 1976, leaving her with her family still in their teens.  She retired to St. Marys in 1988 when John and Peggy were married and took over the farm.  

Throughout her life, Florence enjoyed crafts of many kinds, providing numerous hand knit mittens for her extended family into her 80’s.  Her real passion was quilting and she was a founding member of quilt guilds in both Kirkton and St Marys.  Her home was filled with many beautiful examples of her work.  She was a member of the St Marys Curling Club for many years and enjoyed golfing in the summer.  Most of all, she travelled the local Seniors Card circuit and liked nothing better than a good game of euchre or pepper at the Friendship Centre. She followed the news of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their various activities with great interest, attending their events when she could.  She was a life-long Maple Leafs fan, hardly ever missed a Blue Jays game and was an avid spectator whenever the curling was on TV. 

We will remember Florence for her strength and independence in the face of adversity.  She was a role model for us all and will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.  

The family wishes to thank the staff at Wildwood Care Centre for the caring way they supported Mom in her time there.

Family and friends are invited to the ST. MARYS UNITED CHURCH, 85 Church St. S. St. Marys, on March 6, 2026 for visiting from 10 am until the time of the Funeral Service at 11 am with interment in St. Marys Cemetery. Reception to follow in the St. Marys United Church Hall.

Memorial donations may be made to the

Perth County 4-H Endowment Fund
Click here
Mailing address:
Ontario 4-H Foundation
P.O. Box 73
Glencoe, ON  N0L 1M0

or St. Marys United Church
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Mailing address:
St. Marys United Church
P.O. Box 542
St. Marys, ON N4X 1B3