Florine (Melvin) KLASSEN

Mom’s Life Journey

    It is with profound sadness that the family of Florine Klassen announce her passing on July 13, 2023 at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon. Her sudden departure leaves all of us in grief but we are grateful that she did not suffer long and is no longer in pain.

    Mom was a devoted wife, mother and a loving grandmother and great-grandmother. Family meant everything to mom. It gave her great pleasure hearing about all the activities everyone was involved in.

     Florine was born in Humboldt, SK. on February 20, 1925, the only child born to Mac and Frances Melvin. Following her father’s sudden death in 1928 her mom and her moved to a farm near Asquith where Florine received her education at Fairholme School, nine miles South of Asquith. Her means of transportation, to and from school, was her closest companion – her horse. Mom worked hard on the farm and in her later teen years was asked to cook for a large threshing crew during harvest at the Summach farm. She was not afraid to take on new tasks when challenged to do so. In 1947 Florine ventured out into the work world landing a job in the X-Ray department at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon, a position she held for 4 ½yrs. During this time she met the love of her life, John Klassen and they were married June 3, 1949. From this union they were blessed with two children: a son Vernon (1952) and a daughter Jacqueline (1955)-  a gentlemen’s family!

     Mom had many interests and hobbies which included, sewing, knitting (slippers for the Red Cross), singing (Community Choir and Senior Choral group & Easter Cantata). She even sang, dressed as a Nun, in the Rosetown musical The Sound of Music. Music really did play an active role in our family and mom loved listening to us practice, becoming our appointed and trusted critic and calendar organizer.  However, every other Saturday night was dedicated to Dance Club for her and John. Dad played for many of those dances while Mom collected the dance fees at the door. She held sec./treas. position for the club for 17 yrs. Florine took on many tasks and did each one with great pride and joy. She loved to toil in her garden and tend to her flowers. She had the most beautiful cared for garden. Florine also loved her coffee parties with her friends. They would take turns hosting a coffee get together once week. Don’t think mom missed one if she could help it. Many Summers were spent camping with the trailer at Waskesiu, an activity she and Dad both thoroughly enjoyed especially when the children and grandchildren could join them. Mom was always up for a game of aggravation (marbles) which she took very serious and cheered with laughter when she won, which was often, as she had some very strategic moves planned! Florine’s last employment was as Housekeeper Aide at the Rosetown and District Health Centre (Hospital), a job she did well and loved until her retirement in 1990. In 2005 she was chosen Rosetown’s Citizen of the Year for her involvement and volunteerism in the Community. Singing with the Senior Choral Group was a gift to her and it was soon discovered that acting was Florine’s true calling and where she shone - performing numerous skits at many functions with the Senior Choral Group. What a Blast they would have! Mom continued to stay in her own home for another 27 years, following Dad’s passing in 1988, before making McNab Place her new home for another 8 yrs. She continued to perform when called upon by the Senior Choral Group and gave her final performance at the age of 97 still remembering the script by heart. She maintained a sharp mind and a keen sense of humor right to the end and her work ethic was second to none. She loved McNab Place and all the residents there and considered this her home for those final years.

 Mom lived a full life and we as a family are so thankful for the years we had with her and the memories that have been made.   

    Left to cherish Florine’s memory are her son Vern (Sharon) Klassen; daughter Jacqueline (Dennis) Thiessen; grandchildren Shannon Klassen, Erin (Hollis) Horbay and Andrea (Michael) Anderson, Darren (Elizabeth) Thiessen, Jared Thiessen; great grandchildren Hadley Thiessen, Arlo Anderson, Lark Anderson. Left to mourn her passing are three sister-in-laws; Susie, Nettie and Ida and numerous nieces and nephews of the Klassen family as well as a blessed host of many dear friends.

    Mom was truly blessed to have so many people share in her life. Until we meet again, Mom!

    A Celebration of Florine’s Life will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Rosetown United Church. Donations in her memory may be directed to the Alex Ositis Foundation or to the Canadian Red Cross.