November 21, 2024
In Loving Memory ~
Florence Elaine Kaefer (nee. Pockett) was born in 1935, in Spirit River, AB. Florence and her two sisters were raised in a log cabin, built by their parents. Florence finished grade school in Winnipeg, MB before attending Normal School in Tuxedo - a small suburb of Winnipeg - to become a teacher.
At 19 years old, Florence accepted her first teaching job at the United Church Residential School in Norway House, Manitoba. She taught there for 4 years, before briefly attending fine arts school in Banff, AB - and decided that she would like to move further out west.
In 1958, Florence got a job at the United Church Residential School in Port Alberni, BC - again teaching children, and met her husband-to-be, Gerd Kaefer - who was born in Hamburg, Germany. Gerd was a boys' supervisor and later, the bus driver for the school.
Gerd and Florence got married in 1962.
Florence and Gerd raised their family in Courtenay, where Florence continued her love for teaching; from Denman Island Elementary, Miracle Beach Elementary, and Cumberland Elementary - as well as being an E.A. in her later years.
Florence had an inspiring journey of reconciliation 50 years after teaching at the Residential School in Norway House. Florence wrote the book "Back To The Red Road: A Story Of Survival, Redemption and Love" with her friend and adopted son, Cree country singer Edward Gamblin.
Florence was a fierce champion for Indigenous reconciliation, and to her, was the "most important thing in Canada today; to try and correct the wrongs". Florence believed that "..we still have a long way to go" in our journey of reconciliation in this country.
Florence was an active member of the United Church for her entire life. She was an avid traveller, and true West Coast outdoorswoman; hiking, canoeing, camping, photography, bird-watching - to name a few activities. Florence also had a passion for singing and performing; she participated in many shows with the CoVal Choristers over the years. Florence enjoyed her book club, walking club, and playing dominos with her dear friends.
Florence battled dementia for several years before passing on - but never lost her spark. Florence's family recognized and fostered her strong faith continuously throughout the years, and always enjoyed reminiscing on the memories that she was blessed to hold on to.
Florence was an incredible mother, wife, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend. Florence will be greatly missed by all those whose lives she touched through her warmth, kindness, and extraordinary wisdom.
Florence is pre-deceased by husband Gerd Kaefer (2004), sister Lorna (2022), and adopted son Edward Gamblin (2010).
Florence is survived by her sister Kae, sons Glenn (Tansy) and Ian (Penny), grandchildren Owen (Toni), Noah (Andrea), Talisa (Adrian), Ryan (Keo), Ethan, and nieces/nephews Janet, Jennifer, Bruce, David, Barbara, Cathy, Kent - as well as great-nieces & nephews.
Florence requested that the family participate in a private ceremony in her honour in Tofino, at a later date. The Kaefer family will announce a celebration of life for the spring of 2025.