Obituary of Florence Watkinson
Florence (Misner) Watkinson – April 13, 1928 – August 3, 2022
Peacefully at home on August 3, 2022 after a brief illness caused by cancer.
Florence was born April 13, 1928. She grew up in Port Dover and then attended Toronto Western Hospital School of Nursing. After graduation in 1950, she worked as a nurse in hospitals in Toronto, New York, and Indiana, before returning to Port Dover with her young family in the 1960s.
A central chapter in the history of one of Port Dover’s founding fishing families closes with Florence’s death. Florence is the daughter of Olive (MacDonald) and Henry H. Misner, founders of the H. H. Misner fishing legacy. She was the last of her siblings, predeceased by brothers Henry (Mildred), Elmore (Janet and Gertie), Jack (Genevieve and Eleanor), Charles (Thelma), Robert (Muriel) and Donald (Bertha), and by sisters Laurel Ballantyne and Margaret Misner.
Florence’s dignity, generosity, and impeccable taste showed in everything she did. She had a keen interest in design and an even keener eye for complementary colours. This interest led her to master the art of primitive rug hooking, and many of her original and classic designs hang in homes of family, friends and anyone lucky enough to acquire one through local art shows. She had expert knowledge of antique furniture and household items such as quilts and stoneware. True to her family roots, Florence had a lifelong interest in nautical and local history. She volunteered at the Port Dover Harbour Museum, working on the Atlantic archive and other projects.
Florence was predeceased by her husbands Townsend J. Taylor and Charles (Chuck) Watkinson, and by stepdaughters Raye Ellen Seip and Robin McFarlane.
She is survived by her daughter, Sarah Taylor (Doug Bush), and son, Townsend (Tom) J. Taylor (Heather Blackett); stepson Richard Watkinson (Joanne); grandchildren Charles Watkinson (Cora Lee), Matthew Watkinson (Meghan), Lauren Watkinson (Michael), Julie Seip (Arthur Spanos), Katie Rogers (Brian), Rebeka McFarlane (Trevor) and Amanda Mummery (Kevin). She is also survived by many great-grandchildren and an extended family of nieces and nephews who comprise the large Misner family.
A graveside service will be held to honour Florence’s life on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at 11:00 am at Port Dover Cemetery, the Reverend Sheena Marini officiating. Arrangements entrusted to Thompson Waters Funeral Home, Port Dover 519-583-1530. For those wishing, donations to the Port Dover Harbour Museum would be greatly appreciated. Online donations and/or condolences can be made www.thompsonwatersfuneralhome.
