Obituary of Florence May Krilow
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Florence Krilow (nee Crathorne). Florence was born on July 17, 1926 in Crathorne England and passed away September 23, 2023 at the age of 97 years. Florence was predeceased by her husband Nick Krilow; children Barry Krilow, Patrick Krilow and Barbara Wemp; parents Nora and George Crathorne; sisters Betty Heal and Violet Davidson and brother Barry Crathorne. Florence is survived by her sons Derek Krilow (Rhonda) and Robert Krilow; daughter Viviane Bohmann (Russell) and daughter-in-law Hayla Krause. She was so proud of her many grandchildren and great grandchildren and loved them dearly. Florence is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Ethel Krilow and Vicky Serack, both of North Battleford, as well as many nephews and nieces.
Florence was born in Crathorne, England and received her schooling in Durham. At the onset of WWII, she studied Nursing at an RAF Medical Training Centre. During the war she practiced Nursing and spent her leisure time figure skating at the Durham Ice Rink where she met her future husband of 45 years, Nick Krilow (RAF Sq. 426 LAC). They were married in Durham, England on April 25, 1943.
In August of 1946, Florence left England from Pier #5 Liverpool on the HMS Drottingham (a hospital ship) with many other British war brides and wounded Canadian Servicemen, to embark on a new life in a new country.
Florence and Nick settled on the Krilow family farm in the Denholm area (Roecliffe School District - East of North Battleford). Although farming and raising children were a whole new world for Florence, her staunch old-British steadfastness carried her through.
In 1964, Florence and her husband moved to the village of Denholm, where Nick began a second career as a carpenter and general contractor. Florence enjoyed living in Denholm and had many friends and neighbors that were very dear to her. Once off the farm and with children old enough, Florence began a long Nursing career in North Battleford.
Over the years Florence enjoyed spending time at the family cabin at Loon Lake where she and Nick made many friends. They visited frequently with friends in both St. Walberg and Turtleford.
Florence was a talented Dancer and Figure Skater. She assisted her husband Nick (an accomplished professional Figure Skater) with music, choreography and logistics as he taught and coached figure skating throughout the province.
Florence volunteered for Sask Abilities, both working bingos for fundraising plus supervising weekly bowling activities. Florence also did a great deal of volunteer service work with Special O. She was very proud that she had coached a Special O figure skater all the way to the Special Olympics in Austria.
Florence lived in Denholm until moving into Saskatoon August 2021 and into Sherbrooke Community Centre, Saskatoon, in 2022. Thank you to everyone at Sherbrooke for making her final chapter a special one for her. An avid Roughriders fan, she was thrilled to attend her first-ever Riders game with the other residents and being able to attend the Stars on Ice performance was another special gift you gave her.
Although permanently settled in Canada for much of her life, Florence remained very proud of her ancient British heritage and had fond memories of her time living in and visiting England. She made frequent trips to England with her husband, friends, and son Derek. She particularly enjoyed staying with her eldest sister, Betty, in Cheddar Somerset.
As per Florence’s wishes, her cremains will be returned to Crathorne, England where she will be interred with the rest of her family. Although Florence did not wish a funeral, donations may be made in her name to the Sherbrook Community Centre in Saskatoon.