It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Florence Edna Jean McAninch (née Tonsaker), who left us on October 21, 2025, in Guelph, ON. Born on July 11, 1945, at the hospital on McKenzie Island, ON, Flo touched the hearts of many with her kindness, humour, generosity, and warm spirit.

Flo was cherished as a beloved spouse, sibling, parent, grandparent, aunt, great-aunt, cousin, and friend, and will be fondly remembered for her sense of humour, compassion, and wisdom. Her dedication to family, unwavering support, and gentle guidance created a non-judgmental haven in her home for her family and friends. She lived a life filled with love, laughter, and happiness.

Flo was predeceased by her father-in-law, Dr. Norman McAninch; her mother-in-law, Mae McAninch; her father, Norman Tonsaker; her mother, Annie "Ivy" Tonsaker (née Emms); and her beloved son, Sean McAninch, to whom she dedicated 23 years of loving care.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Norman "Murray" McAninch; daughters, Susan and Lisa (Alan); son, Michael (Sari); sister, Dolores Hessner (Henry); sister-in-law, Caron Chilton, brother-in-law, Bryan; grandchildren, Cameron (Claire), Duncan (Antonela), Samantha (Brandon), and David; nephews, Bruce and Rick (Tammy); nieces, Kristine and Lori (Blair); great-nephews and great-nieces: Jordan (Sarika) and their daughter Meera,  Josh (Nataly), John Michael (Kelly), and Jessie (Kyle). Flo also leaves behind many first, second, and extended cousins, as well as numerous in-laws, outlaws, and friends.

Flo grew up in Finn Town and Gold Eagle on McKenzie Island, ON, where she met lifelong friends Jean (Kennedy) Johnson and Arlie (Gardner) Poltronetti. She attended elementary school on the island and studied at Red Lake District High School. After leaving McKenzie Island, Flo moved to Terrace Bay, ON, Schreiber, ON, and then Red Lake, ON. During this time, she had her two daughters. Flo worked as a Nurse's Aide at the Cochenour Hospital, as a teller at the Red Lake branch of the Bank of Nova Scotia, and later at the Red Lake Doctors' office doing administrative work.

Flo met Murray in Red Lake in the 80s and they went on to marry and have two sons.  Flo quit working outside the home to care for Sean after he became ill.  She was an incredible advocate for improving the quality of Sean's medical care over the years that he was with us. She was his mom, sword, shield, armour, and his best friend through his whole life.  As Sean's illness required more medical care than could be provided in Red Lake, Flo made the difficult decision to move the family to Southern Ontario. Though her heart remained in the small, close-knit communities of Northwestern Ontario, she put her family's needs above her own preferences to ensure Sean could receive the care he needed at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, ON.

The family briefly lived in Mississauga, ON, and then moved to Guelph, ON, where they resided for many years. Flo's parents, Norman and Ivy, lived with them in Guelph from 1988 until 1995. During her time in Guelph, beyond caring for Sean and her family, Flo stepped in to support and give care to her mother-in-law and close friend Mae.  Flo also dedicated many years to canvassing on behalf of the Kidney Foundation of Canada.

A while after Norman and Ivy moved to Winnipeg, MB, Flo and her family moved to Simcoe, ON, a town more suited to Flo's preferred pace, to a house with plenty of room for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners with their girls, boys, and their families. She continued her pattern of caring for friends in need, supporting her friend Barb in her final years. She enjoyed tai chi and weekly walks with her neighbour and friend Emily.

Finally, in the last few years, they moved back to Guelph, ON, to be closer to their son Michael. By this time, both Flo and Murray were ready to be the ones getting a little support rather than always being the supporters. In these final years, Murray lovingly took on the role of Flo's caretaker, cooking all her meals and dedicating himself to her happiness and comfort each day.

Above all, Flo dedicated her life to providing her family and friends with everything they needed. She was a voracious reader, enjoyed putting together challenging puzzles, and enjoyed watching a wide variety of movies and TV shows. She had a deep love for wildlife, especially wolves, and dancing was one of her greatest joys, particularly in her younger years.

In accordance with Flo's wishes, no service will be held. If you wish to honour Flo's memory, please consider donating to The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Kidney Foundation of Canada, or War Amps Canada.

May Flo rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.