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Florence Hosick

June 9, 2018

Florence Gertrude (nee Bolen) - peacefully passed away in her sleep on June 9^th, 2018, in her 100^th year, after a truly blessed life. Loving wife of Ralph, (2009). Mother to Helen and Larry Johns of Exeter, and Peter Hosick and Janice Fillion of Waterdown. Much loved grandmother of Brent and Jarrett Johns and Shawn Hosick. Florence served as Principal at St. Thomas Moore and Queen of Heaven Schools in Mississauga. She was the first lay female to become a principal in her school board, breaking many barriers. She often talked about how fortunate she was to have a close knit extended family, a great career and a long and healthy life. She will be missed by many. Friends may call at St. Mary of the Purification Catholic Church, 230 Queen Street East, Mount Forest on Thursday, June 14^th from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. where a remembrance of her life will be held at 10:20 a.m. and Mass at 10:30 a.m. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to England Funeral Home, Mount Forest.

Condolences

Hello: I'm so sorry for your loss ... I know my Mother (Dorothy O'Connor) will be greeting her at Heaven's gate. My mother has always spoken highly of your family. May God bless you and bring you comfort at this sad time. Though she lived a long life, it doesn't matter when our parents die, it still leaves a hole that is never filled and always brings a little tear. Prayers and best wishes to her whole family. Catherine (O'Connor) Pacey

— Catherine Pacey, June 17, 2018

I've always counted myself fortunate to have had Florence as my first principal in my teaching career. Although time and circumstance have taken me to the other end of the country, I've often wondered about the fortunes of my Q of H staff family of the early 1960's and it is only fitting that circumstances led me to Florence's obituary. Although too late to see her in life, I am gratified to learn that she enjoyed good health throughout her long life. She was one in a million and I am blessed to have known her. Accept my deepest condolences, Helen and Peter,

— Helene (Vandecasteele) King, June 16, 2018

I join others from the Dufferin-Peel Separate School Board in sending my condolences to Mrs. Hosick's family and especially to her daughter Helen. I, too, practice taught for her at Queen of Heaven in 1960. Towards the end of that week, she arranged that I meet with Board members and be hired to teach at St. Edmund's school. Her daughter, Helen, was in my first class (grade 4) and I can still picture her perfectly. Later, Mrs. Hosick became the principal there so I got to know her better and admire her more. She had my highest respect. She was a very kind and understanding person. Because I was, and still am, allergic to cigarette smoke, I couldn't be in the staff room. Even though she was a smoker too, she ordered the staff room smoke-free so that I could join in and participate with her and other teachers. It was a sacrifice on her part, one I appreciated immensely and have never forgotten. My sympathies, my prayers, and my condolences to her family.

— Maria Primerano Hrabovsky, June 16, 2018

Helen and Peter, So sorry to hear of your loss. Aunt Florence will be missed. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of grief. Deepest condolences to you and your family. Raymond Hosick

— Raymond Hosick, June 14, 2018

Oh the memories at Lake Simcoe, the Hosick's and the Sommervilles , all the laughing, sinking the boat, having fun. Gravy, food, laughing, that is what I remember the most. So many trips to Parry Sound and Lake Simcoe. Visiting Ray and Teresa's farm much more laughing, all the antics at 1551 Liveoak Drive. Your Mom, your dear Mom, our revered principal, at Qof H Mrs. Hosick, we were so lucky to have her as a role model keeping us all on the straight and narrow. She was always keeping an eye on us. I am so sad I can't attend tomorrow. Love to you all. Marie Karen Jenny and Laura

— Marie McLean, June 13, 2018

We were saddened to learn about the passing of Florence. The Newton family has very fond memories of happy events with Florence and Ralph. They were a very special couple. Our condolences to you.

— Shirley and Joe Newton, June 13, 2018

I think the previous emails from my former Dufferin-Peel colleagues speak to the impact Florence had - on us and on the system. I first met Florence when I was assigned to Queen of Heaven for my practice teaching assignment (circa 1967) - I remember feeling in fear and awe of her. She came in to observe a few of my lessons and before I knew what was happening, she was driving me to the Board Office (that time at Dundas and Dixie) to meet Harry Caswell. She went into his office saying, “Harry, we have to hire this girl” - and the rest is history. I have always held her in very high regard and throughout my career sought to exemplify some of the fine qualities I observed in her. She was a woman ahead of her time, who lifted other women up. As a result of her intervention and influence, I enjoyed many long years in Dufferin-Peel - thank you Mother Thunder. I wish I could attend in person on Thursday to bid her a final farewell but I am not able to. I will be thinking of her - with much fondness. She was “one in a million”. My deepest sympathy to all her family and friends - it is my hope that you can cherish the many years you had with her and that your fond memories will be a source of comfort and peace - and put a smile on your face - just like my memories. Rest In Peace Florence!

— Camilla Martin, June 13, 2018

John Kostoff often quoted that "We stand on the shoulders of giants".How right is that!Florence was one of those great giants whose dedication to Catholic education was exemplary.Personally, Florence was my friend, my mentor and like a second mother.It was because of Florence that I and many more women leaders aspired to become administrators within the Dufferin- Peel Catholic Board.Florence was a powerful role model for all persons she encouraged.Under her leadership she would expect only the highest values she herself exemplified.Anyone fortunate enough to work with Florence came away a stronger, more committed educator.Rest well in your eternal reward Florence, it is so justly deserved.

— Cecile Kendrick, June 12, 2018

Florence was a great and faithful Catholic educator to whom the entire Bator family owes a great deal. She taught us to have confidence, to treat others with respect and dignity and recognize that being part of a community meant helping to build it. There was no such thing as "leadership by standing still"! Florence taught me and my brothers and she was my principal at Queen of Heaven. Her leadership served as mentorship to me throughout my entire career and guided me in so many different ways. She was able to make the tough decisions because she knew that making the right decision was never easy. She cared so deeply for her students and I and my brothers are grateful for having had the chance to walk with her. My parents, Anne and Stan, believed that Florence was a role model for us to admire, respect and keep in mind as we journeyed. . God Bless the Hosick family. Michael Bator, on behalf of the entire Bator family.

— Michael Bator, June 12, 2018

Mrs. Hosick was my second principal at Queen of Heaven. She was tough, but very fair. We called her Mother Thunder, as her voice could be heard throughout our small school with a microphone. She was a wonderful woman who taught us many things. She will be missed.

— Anne Marie Metelsky, June 12, 2018