SCHLEGEL, FLORENCE – On Wednesday October 20, 2021, Florence Schlegel, nee Bender, peacefully passed into the loving presence of her Lord in her 95th year at Ritz Lutheran Villa, Mitchell ON. She was born June 24, 1927 in East Zorra Township to Peter Z. and Lavina (Erb) Bender.
Florence lived out her Christian faith in simple acts of service and positions of leadership. On the farm she honed her skills as a homemaker, seamstress and gardener. She translated these and other abilities into nursing home management and served on numerous boards and committees.
With her husband Earl, she was active in the operation of the Maples Nursing Home in Tavistock, before helping establish Bethany Lodge, Lambeth ON, and Kensington Village, London ON. In retirement, she and Earl continued to serve their community by building and operating Village Manor Tavistock. Florence had many interests, read widely and loved to travel.
Her memory and example are cherished by her children: Carol & Ken Drudge of Komoka; Pauline Schlegel Shank & Marvin Shank of London; Peter & Renate Schlegel of London; Brenda & Len Jewitt of Waterloo; Clare & Catherine Schlegel of Shakespeare; Harold Schlegel & Elaine Erb of Altona MB.
She will be treasured always by her grandchildren: Keldon Drudge & Jenny Francis, Krista & Brian Dolbear, Monica Shank Lauwo & Lauwo George, Joel & Ariana Shank, Andrea Parsons, Tyson Schlegel & Stephanie Ma, Amy Schlegel, Tyler Schlegel, Ally Sieber-Peyton Leanne & David Lobe, Fiona & Jon Jewitt Cressman, Adam Schlegel, Tobin & Erin Schlegel, Ben Schlegel & Katherine Carr, Sophie & Zach Gerbrandt, Isaac Schlegel, Solomon Schlegel; and 23 great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by a brother, a sister and sisters-in-law: Merlin & Erma Bender, Isabel Ruby, Loraine Bender and Reta Baechler.
She was predeceased by: her husband Earl Schlegel in 2000; a son, Aaron, in infancy; a grandson, Justin; brothers and sisters, Howard Bender, Donald Bender and his wife Louisa, Audrey and her husband Daniel Wagler, and brother-in-law, Vernon Ruby.
A family funeral service will be conducted at East Zorra Mennonite Church Sunday October 24 at 3:00 pm. Interment to follow in the church cemetery. Friends are welcome to watch the service via live stream. Link is available by contacting ezmcfuneral@gmail.com .
As expressions of sympathy, donations to Mennonite Central Committee or East Zorra Mennonite Church would be appreciated. Arrangements can be made through Francis Funeral Home, Tavistock, (519-655-2431) or directly with the charity. Personal condolences and memories may be shared with the family at FlorenceSchlegelMemories@gmail.com
The family expresses sincere appreciation for the genuine affection and effective care provided by the staff of Ritz Lutheran Villa in Mitchell, ON, Florence’s home for the past few years.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Florence SCLEGEL Bender 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Tavistock, Province: Ontario