Florence: Florence Gannon was born on July 16, 1937, to John and Ruby Tattersall (Thompson) at the Islay hospital. She grew up in the Kitscoty district and attended Lavada school. Florence and her family then moved to a ranch near Red Deer in 1949 when she was 13. This is where she met one of her best friends. Her family made their way back to the Kitscoty area in 1950 where she went to the boarding school in Kitscoty and made friends and played pranks. Florence enjoyed dancing, which is how she met Frank Gannon. Frank and Florence were married in 1956 and were together for 65 years. In those 65 years, they moved around often as Frank was in the Armed Forces. Living in Winnipeg, Germany, Edmonton, Vermilion and every place in-between. They pursued their love of square dancing. In Edmonton, Florence taught babysitting courses and sewing and thoroughly enjoyed crafts and doing anything to keep her busy. In the 1980’s, when Frank retired from the Armed Forces they returned to the Vermilion area. They bought some land and made a home, putting all their effort into making Hidden Lake Ranch. In their 44 years on the ranch, they started a bed and breakfast, campsite, summer farm camp’s and trail rides. During that time Florence worked in the Co-op Hardware store in Vermilion, every story from that time brought a smile to your face. In her time, Florence loved to travel, taking her to Alaska, Norway, Hawaii and Ireland to name a few. Overall, Florence loved to take care of others, and she never limited her care to family or friends, she extended it to strangers as well. She never ceased to inspire, teach and encourage others to reach their goals. On Sunday, September 1, 2024, Florence entered the Vermilion Health Center, on September 7th she was transported to the Royal Alexandra Hospital where she succumbed to cancer on September 11, 2024. She is lovingly remembered by her children Lora Gannon (Nick Marcetta), Virginia Barlow, and Derrick (Brigette) Gannon; grandchildren Julie McCarron, Amber Charland (Chris Thomas), Chelsea Barlow, Christopher Barlow, Bryan Blanchette, Emily Gannon and Kayla Gannon; great grandchildren Adeline & Evelyn Hampton– McCarron, Dylan & Avery Thomas and Louis Pellerin; nephews Leonard (Tammy) Blair, Kelly Gannon, and Michael Kushnir; as well as numerous relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Frank Gannon; parents John & Ruby Tattersall; grandson Edward Shawn Hampton-Gross; and brother John Tattersall. A Celebration of Life will take place Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Vermilion Royal Canadian Legion, 5144 Railway Avenue. Memorial Donations may be made to Friends of Vermilion Health Centre or charity of one’s choice.
