Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, Florence "Gomo" Hardistry was born on August 25th, 1943, to George and Lucy McPherson in Fort Simpson. Florence was one of 14 children they had. She grew up with her parents and family until she attended school. Florence attended the federal day school in Fort Simpson, then she went to Grollier Hall in Inuvik, and then carried on to Sir John Franklin High School in Yellowknife. After she left school, she returned home.
Florence met her love of her life, Ernest, in Fort Simpson where they started their own family. They were married on December 31st, 1966 six days after their son Noel was both. They had nine children. In the 1970s, they moved to Jean Marie River and this is where they raised all the children.
Florence was a homemaker most of her life, where she provided so much love to her husband, children, and their home. They managed Sambaa Deh Falls campground for multiple years. This is where they made friends with many people as the world. As well, she did work at Louie Norwegian School as a janitor for seven years.
Florence was known as Gomo in Jean Marie River. Yvonne and Douglas’s children started calling her "Gomo", meaning mom, and the nickname stuck with her. All the children in Jean Marie loved being around her. She loved all the children as if they were her own. Her heart was pure gold and this was shown by presence she showed when she was around others.
Madam Speaker, Florence would often pick berries, spruce gum, and wood with her late mother–in–law Sarah and Yvonne. Sarah would always teach them about traditional ways and practices. Florence used to sew doilies and took great pride in them.
Florence developed dementia in late 2012. In 2013, she started requiring more care than her husband could provide for her in their home. For the past nine years, she was cared for in the Fort Simpson elders home care. The family is forever grateful for the staff, their care, and love provided to their wife, mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, and friend. Florence always told her family, friends, and those around her that she loved them. She continued to do this up to the day where it became hard for her to talk. The family asks that you continue this with your loved ones as well. The family would like to thank everyone for their kind words, support and comfort during this difficult time. Madam Speaker, she will be sadly missed.
DEPUTY SPEAKER:
