Florence Mary Parfitt (Rowley) was born in Victoria, B.C.
She was the second of four children born to Ernest and Helen Rowley.
The family settled on Hambley Street in Fairfield and became involved in the community, which included their attendance at Fairfield United Church. They enjoyed the music there, with Mom and the girls in the choir and her father’s rich baritone favoring the congregation with solos.
Meanwhile, Florence began studying the piano and it soon became apparent that she was blessed with natural gifts, including a tremendous ear for music.
As time passed, the family moved along to join the congregation of old Emmanuel Baptist Church (now the Belfry). The musical and spiritual life there was so enriching that Emmanuel became their church home. A fellow in the choir, named David Parfitt, caught Florence’s eye – and heart – and the rest is history!
Florence, by nature, was a very vibrant and creative presence. She used these facets of her personality, plus her incredible musical ability, to serve her Lord at Emmanuel Baptist Church. She tirelessly accompanied soloists on the piano for decades. Teaming with our song leader dad, she accompanied hundreds of songfests and carol sings.
For years, she was social convener and flower arranger extraordinaire. At Emmanuel she founded the Norrie Vandrick Mission Group and was a charter member of the Hazel Merritt Mission Group which celebrated their 60th anniversary a short time ago.
She did it all with a unique passion and devotion to her faith. For those who are not well acquainted with Florence, this is her legacy.
As for the private side of her life, she leaves to mourn, her brothers Charles (Hazel) and Edward (Wilma – deceased), her loving children Brent (Carrol), Ron (Cindy) and Sue (Bob Vincent). She was a loving Nana to Darren, Shane, Adam, Scott, Jonathan, Bryan (Vincent), Sarah, Christopher (Vincent) and Kathryn and a Great Nana and Auntie to many. She had an intense love of family, and she was one of the first to hold her grandchildren. Now God is holding her and He has sent the Holy Spirit to comfort us.
Florence lived a long and committed life. Life was not wasted on her. She extracted the best of it and never looked back. She is an example to all of us to live a full and happy life.
She will be truly missed but we are at peace with the sure and certain fact that she is now embracing her beloved David.
Life’s Work Well Done
Life’s Race Well Run
Now Cometh Rest
A Funeral Service will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church on Thursday, May 26th at 2:00pm. 2125 Cedar Hill Cross Road, Victoria, B.C V8P 2R6
A graveside service will take place at Royal Oak Burial Park, Friday May 27th.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
-
Ann Zolorycki
-
Wendy campbell Sue , Brent and Ron ,
Rob and I could only think of one thing when we read your mother’s obituary …. ” Well done thou good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.”
Your mother as well as your father have left both of us with wonderful lasting memories with the years we spent together at Emmanuel Baptist Church. Even though many years have passed , we cannot help but smile when we recall their joyful faces leading us in Sunday School as well as singing with them in the choir. New Years was special to us in the choir as we sang your mother’s favorite song ” Ring Out Wild Bells ‘.
We look forward to celebrating your mother’s life , as well as her new resurrected life tomorrow with you.
Wendy & Rob Campbell
-
Mary Weller A great lady has gone home. Heaven will not be the same. She is bound to be singing. She was loved and respected by many. I will always think of her when I see miniature roses. I took one to her when I visited once and for years after every time I saw her she couldn’t wait to show me how it had thrived, even in an area where plants would not normally do well.
-
Barbara and Gordon Dalziel We are fortunate to have met this very special lady at Emma Parfitt King first Birthday ! At this time words are very inadequate. Please know that you can count on caring friends and family
-
John Renfree Brent, Ron, Sue and Families. Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your mother, Aunt Flo. God blessed Aunt Flo with a long and happy life. Her strong faith was very evident throughout her life.
The love she shared with Uncle Dave, her family and all those with whom she came in contact is beyond comparison. Aunt Flo was such a blessing!
May you know God’s presence as you reach up to Him for comfort and strength. God is reaching down to you and surrounds you with His love and compassion.
In Christian love,
Vivian, John and family
-
Linda Kibblewhite (Parfitt) Linda Kibblewhite (nee Parfitt)
What can you say about such a beautiful person as Florence? She was the rock, the link to our connection with the Parfitt family when I left B.C. I will miss her loving and cheerful spirit. Her gift of music flowed from her. Her laughter was so contagious. May God bless her wonderful family as they mourn this beautiful woman.
-
Annabelle Turek I was saddened to read of your mother’s passing, yet rejoice with you that she is at home with the Lord she so loved and served … and so reflected in her life. I knew her only briefly, having worked with your father for a number of years. I always said that she lit up the room the moment she entered … that was the Spririt of God flowing out of her. My condolences on your loss … as I rejoice with you in her home-going.
-
Ted King It was our honour to have met such a lovely lady. May the family take solace in knowing she led such a full life. Condolences to the family. Ted and Debbi King
Sending our condolences to everyone for the passing of a beautiful lady ~ we fondly remember her kindness and warmth. We consider ourselves lucky to have had the pleasure of being a neighbour in Qualicum Bay. We are enjoying a gorgeous lilac which she generously gave us when we fenced in the cottage to keep the neighbours cattle out!
Marcel and Ann LeBlanc