It is with sadness that the family of Florence (Dot) Hafso of Viking, Alberta announce her passing on  January 1, 2021 at the age of 99 years.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children; Darryl (Fran), Mark (Cheryl), and Heather (Stan); sister Margaret; her 9 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.  Florence was pre-deceased by her husband Norman (1988); her parents Alex and Florence Sangster, brothers Wally and Jim; and sisters Alberta, Trudie and Alice; sister-in-law Mildred Ryan and brother-in-law Frank Ryan.

Florence will forever be remembered as a vibrant, independent woman with fierce strength, and a flair for fashion and fun.  Her love of life and commitment to leading a caring, spiritual, healthy, and active life is a true inspiration to us all!  She was sharp, funny, kind and unapologetically honest, serving up many life lessons, laughs, and words of advice along the way. We will miss her dearly!

Due to Alberta Health Regulations, a private family funeral will take place at the Golden Valley Lutheran Church with Pastor Alvin Sorenson officiating.  A private interment will follow at the Golden Valley Lutheran Cemetery Viking, Alberta.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Golden Valley Lutheran Church in Florence's memory will be appreciated.

It is with love and pride that we share the following eulogy, written in Florence's own words:

I was born December 23, 1921, the fourth child of Alex and Florence Sangster who were farmers 10 miles south of Innisfree.   I attended Lake Alice School which was 3 ½ miles away from our farm.  In the winter we drove a horse and cutter to school.  My Mom heated bricks on the oven and then wrapped them in a gunny sack to keep our feet warm.  We went to school at temperatures of 60 below sometimes.  We spent our summers haying - mowing, raking, and building stacks, as Dad kept a large herd of cattle and horses.

After completing school to Grade 11, my sister Alice and I were sent to Vermilion School of Agriculture (near Lakeland College) for 2 winters.  There we learned cooking, sewing, nursing, etc., which helped a lot for later in life.

My first job was at a Girls' School at Shawnigan Lake, Vancouver Island, BC.  Then the war came, and my sister and I moved over to Vancouver to work in the Boeing Aircraft Factory, as rivetters, because they paid more.  Every fall we would come home and help harvest as men were scarce, so that meant threshing, hauling grain, etc.  One year we were an all woman threshing crew!  I did this until the war ended and then we worked various jobs in British Columbia.  While home one fall I met Norman Hafso.  He had just come home for serving overseas with the Royal Canadian Airforce.  We were married August 2, 1947.

Norman started working for Northwestern Utilities (now ATCO) at a camp north of Viking so we found a little house in town.  We had no electricity, water, or sewer but we did have gas for heat.  We built a new house in 1961 and then enjoyed all the comforts of living.

I was then busy with my family of three children, church activities, and working part time at Lynn's Lunch and then the Burger Queen.  Later, I joined the Viking Curling Club, spending many hours competing in bonspeils.  When my children were older, I went to work part time at the Viking Hospital.  I worked there for 14 years.  I also joined the Viking Golf Club and spent many hours out at the golf course (at that time it was out of town by the north end of Lake Thomas).  I always liked to ride my bike and three of us had a walking club every day at 1 o'clock.  Then my grandchildren came along, and we spent many days at the lake and driving around the district to admire the countryside and visit points of interest.   It was also a time of family visits and babysitting.

In my senior years I joined the Viking Bowling Club which I enjoyed for around 12 years.   I also loved to sit at the lake, especially Camp Lake and Birch Lake. I spent many days with my siblings and their families at many different lakes. I still rode my bike at age 81 and walked daily.  Reading was also a favourite pastime of mine.  I drove my car up until I was 97 and enjoyed volunteering regularly at the New to You thrift shop. I was also blessed with great grandchildren and enjoyed many visits with them.