"This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night [follows] the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man."
― William Shakespeare, Hamlet

Florence "Flo" Marguerite Cross bid us goodbye on Tuesday, March 29 after a very short tarry with Cancer, it seemed that by the time we knew it was done – but not until we crammed a lot of love, memories and visits into her final two weeks.

Florence danced into the world at Botwood on October 3, 1960. She was the third of four children in the family of George and Joan Cross. As child of a teacher, she spent her early years spaced between Leading Tickles, Greenspond, Valleyfield and Badger's Quay. Her vocation to be an educator called her to MUN for study and then on to teach at Main Brook, Port Rexton, Bonavista and finally Grand Falls-Windsor where she shared her love and talents for over 25 years.

Flo was always busy with sports and extra curricular activities. She volleyed as a Pearson Astro and pedaled as a long-distance cyclist on the 1981 NL Summer Games Team at Thunder Bay. She never gave less than all of herself to any pursuit as a Phys Ed, English or Drama teacher. She made real the images of fiction as many dramatic productions graced the stage as her students experienced the thrill of performance. After retiring she settled back to her old hometown and wrote many dramatic and musical productions. Her teaching continued, but not for pay.

Through her entire life Florence always rooted for the underdog, comforted the lonely and hurt when anyone around her was hurting. She did far more than offer sympathy, she became an activist for inclusion, kindness, equity and more. With her and Irene's influence Building Bridges Youth Theatre, Megan Kean Kindness Kampaign, Pink at the Rink, The Sky's the Limit, Karma Kafe and Textile Exchange, Myrtle's Meals came to life. She was the common thread through these activities, though she molded a crew of dedicated and empathetic supporters who vow to enable this vision into the future. Florence provided exemplary evidence of one who "walked the talk".

Florence was predeceased by her mom, Joan; sister Elizabeth; nephew, Jeremy; in-laws Arch and Effie Woodworth; and Bruce Loder.

She leaves behind her love and life partner, Irene Woodworth; dad, George; brothers Eli (Jocelyn) and Bill (Joanne); Nephews, Matthew (Nicole), Ryan, Devon (Teanna). Her Woodworth family includes Betty (Truman), Ruth (Bruce), Sylvie (Jim), Jim, Ivan (Donna), Brenda. Roger (Cynthia), Lorne (Cathy), Faith (Jake), Victor (Tina), Barbara (Jody), Valerie (Aaron), Angie (Ryan), Laura (Greg), Jenny, Gracie, James, and Benjamin.  The next generation of Crosses and Woodworth's are filled by many little ones who have shared her charm and love. A wider circle of family and friends and students literally share her impact around the planet.

Visitation will take place at Kittiwake Funeral Home, Pound Cove on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at 3 P.M. - 3:30 P.M. (Family Only) 3:30 P.M. - 5 P.M. (Public)  7 P.M. - 9 P.M. (Public),   Thursday, March 31, 2022  at  12 Noon - 4 P.M.  7 P.M - 9 P.M.

A remembrance service of celebration and thanksgiving for Florence will take place on Friday, April 22, 2022 at 2 p.m. from St. Alban's Anglican Church, Badger's Quay.

If you would like to join the Facebook Live Stream, please search... St. Alban's Anglican Church, Badger's Quay on facebook, click "Join" and you will be able to watch live, this will be a public group and no administrative approval will be required.

As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers donations may be made in Florence's memory to Textile Exchange / Karma Kafe

As a friendly reminder please wear a mask and use hand sanitizer.