Obituary of Florence Grace Craig

In Loving Memory of Florence Grace Craig (nee Godden)
 

With profound sadness and deep love, we announce the passing of Florence Grace Craig (nee Godden), a resident of St. Marys and formerly of Thorndale, who peacefully left this world with family at her side at Stratford Rotary Hospice on June 26, 2026, at the age of 82.

Born on February 11^th, 1944, in Tavistock, Ontario and grew up in Shakespeare before the family moved to the farm outside of St. Marys and then settled in St. Paul’s. Florence lived a life defined by love, kindness, strength and unwavering devotion to her family.  She was the oldest daughter of Margaret (Dietrich) † and Mervin Godden † and the beloved sister of Robert Godden † (Tress), Gerald Godden † (Joanne), Donald Godden † (Linda), Carol Walker (Greg) and Joan Norton † (Paul). She was a cherished mother, a proud grandmother and great-grandmother, a loving partner and a loyal friend whose gentle spirit and generous heart touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.  

She is lovingly remembered by her children Kimberley Vey, Christine Kramer (Al), Gord Craig and Mike Craig (Krissie), her 12 grandchildren Rebecca, Felicia, Brandi, Travis, Aimee, Ashley, Connor, Alexis, Eric, Kalen, McKenzie and Colton and 7 great-grandchildren Cole, Rain, Nash, Grace, Navy, Lilly and Dean. Her devoted partner Floyd Stacey, who was the love of her life. Together they found companionship, joy and comfort, proving that love can blossom at any stage of life.  He will deeply miss her laughter, her strength, and the countless moments they shared as a couple watching hockey, spending time with family at her trailer in Prospect Hill and enjoying the company of good friends playing cards or enjoying a hotdog at the Legion.  There are many other family members, including nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends, who will smile through the tears when they remember Flo.  Though our hearts are broken by her absence, we find comfort in knowing that her love, values and beautiful legacy will continue to live on through each of us.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Stratford Rotary Hospice staff for their compassionate care and support. We are also deeply grateful to the many friends and family members who surround Mom with love, kindness and encouragement since her diagnosis in the fall.  Your visits, phone calls, texts, prayers and acts of care meant so much to her and to our family.

Throughout her life, she embraced many roles with determination and grace.  She worked at FAG bearings, then attended hairdressing school, and later worked at Northern Telecom. As her family grew, she moved from London to the farm on Oliver Side Road outside of Thorndale, where she drove a school bus part-time and became a farmer.  She enjoyed all aspects of farm life from raising chickens, rabbits, cows, pigs, horses and growing sweet corn and a pick-your-own strawberry patch. Her life then took her to Woodstock, where she returned to school at the age of 62 to become a personal support worker (PSW), which she continued to do until she was 78 years old. Her clients were treated with the greatest of care and compassion.  Her hard work, resilience and willingness to learn were an inspiration to all who knew her. 

Her greatest joy was her family. She created a home filled with warmth, laughter, compassion, and unconditional love.  As a mother, she offered wisdom, encouragement, and endless support. As a grandmother, she delighted in every hug, story, celebration and precious moment shared with her grandchildren, leaving them with memories they will treasure forever. 

Flo found happiness in the simple pleasures of a lifetime spent with her loved ones, clogging and travelling with friends to conventions, was a member of Eastern Star, raising her Clydesdale horses, quilting, sewing, attending church, sharing meals, celebrating milestones, and offering a comforting word or helping hand to anyone in need.  She was also an enthusiastic hockey fan, cheering with joy and passion for the game she loved for her favourite hockey players, her sons, grandsons and the local Junior B Lincolns. She carried a quiet joy for life’s simple pleasures, flip flops in every season and bare feet in the grass whenever she could. She was always ready for her next outing with curlers in her hair and lipstick in her purse. Her joy for life, grace, resilience and quiet strength was an inspiration to all who knew her.

We will forever miss her gentle smile, her sparkling blue eyes, her warm embrace and the unconditional love she gave so freely.  Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and she will remain forever in our hearts.

“Those we love never truly leave us. They live on in the kindness shared, the love they gave and the memories we hold close forever.”

Family and friends are invited to the ST. MARYS UNITED CHURCH, 85 Church St. S. St. Marys, on August 29, 2026. At 11 am the Order of the Eastern Star will conduct their funeral ritual followed by the Memorial Service officiated by Rev. Dr. Pirie Mitchell at 11 am. A Celebration of Life Open House will follow from 12:30 to 3:30 pm at the St. MARYS LEGION Br. 236, 66 Church St. N. St. Marys. Private family interment in Zion Hill 7^th Line Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to My Sister’s Place in London or the Ontario Student Nutrition Program Huron-Perth.