Florence Ethel (Laminman) Brigden

Mrs. Florence Ethel Brigden passed away on Monday, June 5, 2023, at the Melita Personal Care Home with family by her side.

Florence, youngest child of Bertie and Reba (Kirkwood) Laminman, was born January 22, 1937, in Deloraine, Manitoba. Florence attended Regent and Wapaha schools, then Falconer Collegiate in Deloraine. She worked at the Bank of Commerce in Elgin, Manitoba, then worked for several people cleaning houses, before moving to Brandon in 1956 with her mum and sister, Hazel. She worked at the Prince Edward Hotel and at Woolworth’s. In 1957, she married Gerald Newcomb Brigden from the Purple Hill District in the Regent United Church. They were the first couple to be married in that church.

Florence and Gerald farmed together for just over 57 years before his passing. She continued to farm with her sons and grandchildren up until her health began to deteriorate just short of her 86th birthday.  She could often be found hauling bales, running someone to a field, picking up twine, mowing her lawn, and feeding whoever happened to land in, and always drove the truck and trailer on the annual cattle drive.  She enjoyed going to Melita each Friday for groceries and to visit with family and friends.

Florence was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She was very involved in the lives of all six of her grandchildren, going to their games, recitals, and other special events. She was their champion and best friend and was looking forward to being a great-grandmother.

Florence is survived by her son, Gordon (Robin) of Medora (children, Kirby & Ross), son Kevin (Colleen) of Melita (children, Randy (Alexis), Blair, Miranda, Carson (Makayla)); brother-in-law, Alex Lytwyn; sister-in-law, Alice Laminman, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Gerald (2014); parents, Bertie and Reba Laminman; sister, Hazel Lytwyn; brothers Charlie, Bill, and Lloyd Laminman; father- and mother-in-law, Ernie and Grace Brigden; brothers-in-law Stan Brigden, Russ Lamont, and John Learmonth; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Learmonth, Phyllis Laminman, Marion Lamont, and Margaret Brigden.

A public graveside service was held at the Napinka Cemetery on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 2:00pm. A time of fellowship was held at the Napinka Community Hall following the service.

Donations may be given to the Napinka Cemetery Fund, Box 96, Napinka, MB. R0M 1N0

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