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Flora Kathleen Heard

April 2, 2021

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Flora Kathleen (Henderson) Heard on the morning of Good Friday, April 2, 2021 in her 92nd year.  With her four children (John, Marie, Janice and Keith) at her side, she was called home to heaven, to be with Dad. Mom passed away peacefully at Windhurst, home of daughter Janice Jones, where we had a full week to love her after a brief stay in hospital.

Flora was born February 23, 1930 to Thomas Keith (T.K.) and Greta Henderson in Puslinch Twp. and married to our father, Richard (Dick) Floyd Heard on July 7, 1956. Mom provided enduring support to Dad throughout his long agricultural career. They enjoyed 62 years together before Dad’s passing in 2019.

Beloved wife of Richard (Dick) Floyd Heard, dear Mother of John (Mary) of Carman MB; Marie (Dr. Mike McLennan), of Stouffville; Janice (Tom Jones) of Birr and Keith of Arva. Loving Amma (grandmother) of Anne Marie (Brendan), Dr. Jack, and Bill; Matthew (Clare and great granddaughter Everly), Andrew (Kassandra), and Emily McLennan; Rachel (Dakotah), Andrea and Jillian Jones; Katherine, Nicole and Danielle Heard.  Dear sister-in-law of Dorothy Henderson and Agnes Weaver. Predeceased by her sister Marian and brothers George and John; brothers-in-law Jim Barrie, Gordon Oldfield, Bob Weaver; sisters-in-law Eleanor Henderson, Audrey Oldfield and Fran Heard; nephew John Barrie.

Mom trained as a teacher at Normal School and taught at Puslinch, Galt, and finally Devlin in NW Ontario before starting her family. This began her career of shuttling 4 active children to many sporting and musical activities. She was active in the Women’s Institute, as 4H homemaking leader and worked at Quilter’s Supply. She lovingly made quilts for her 4 children and 12 grandchildren, and a comforter for her great-granddaughter. Mom and Dad travelled together to all Canadian provinces and territories, British Isles, Eastern and Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Central America and many US states.

A private funeral service will be conducted at Westview Funeral Chapel, London on Thursday April 8, 2021 at 1:00 pm.

Please click here to view the service remotely: >Livestream link to the funeral service of Flora Heard on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.

Private family interment at Salem Cemetery, Proton Station, Ontario, April 9, 2021.  A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

If it is your wish, please consider a donation to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

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(Donated to Canadian Foodgrains Bank)

~ Tom Oldfield

Deepest sympathy to John, Marie, Janice, Keith and families. Rick and I were so fortunate to be friends and neighbours of Dick and Flora. Flora was a lovely lady and very devoted to her family. She will be missed by all. Cherish the good memories!!

~ Rick and Lynda Niles

Dear London Family We are certainly with you in our thoughts and prayers today as remember the wonderful times we have had with all of you... Flora, you have been a special sister-in-law and I have enjoyed many vacations with you and Dick... I shall miss my trips to London but will always remember the fun that we had and the farm tours we took together as we watched your crops growing... I shall miss you very much... Love Agnes

~ Agnes Weaver

It was a gift to be able to visit with Flora and all those with her in her last days. To her family, thank you for that opportunity. I am sorry for your loss, but rejoice with you that Flora lives on, as does Dick your father in the presence of the Lord. They lived fully and well. I know they are greatly missed at OPC. May all that was important to them will be respected by those who follow, and everything in which they were great continue to mean much to us. May your many wonderful memories bring you joy. with love and prayers, Wilma Boyce

~ Wilma Boyce

I am proud to be part of the "Group of Seven" '52 aggies. Every year for over 60 years we got together, and alot was thanks to Flora and Dick's hospitality. My wife and Flora had exactly the same birthday, and we always celebrated that. I know Flora missed Dick quite a bit, and I am comforted thinking she is now happy again. Herb Norry

~ Herb Norry and daughter Millie Norry

John, Marie, Janice and Keith...so sorry to hear of the loss of your amazing Mom. I have wonderful memories of her generosity of spirit and love of her family. What a blessing Flora was to all of us! Xo

~ Jody McDonald-Groulx

To John, Marie, Janice and Keith - Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved Mom. She was a very special person! In fondness, I remember both your parents and each of you at Riverside. Such happy memories! And of course I recall the delicious corn we always bought at your farm. Do know my caring thoughts are with you. Norma Clare

~ Norma Clare

My sincere condolences on the passing of your mother. She was a kind and gracious woman that i was privileged to have known. She and Dick were wonderful neighbours. I have fond memories of sharing lunches and coffee at her kitchen table and regret not doing it more often.

~ Kevin Nixon

Our most heartfelt condolences. Dick and Flora always reached out to us at church and both had hearts of gold. It was our privilege to have known them both. Flora will be missed by many. God bless and walk with you in this time of loss.

~ Doug & Kim Vandevrie

Dear John, Marie, Janice, and Keith. My sincere sympathy at the loss of your lovely Mom. My parents, Mel and Lois, and the rest of the "Happy Hoers" had wonderful vegetable gardens at your farm, many delicious meals and celebrations together, and years and years of deep friendship.

~ Patricia Peters

My sincere sympathy to the whole family! I have lost a very dear, life long friend. I will deeply miss Flora and will think of her often. Margaret Stewart

~ Margaret Stewart

(Donated to Canadian Foodgrains Bank)

~ Gwen King

(Donated to Canadian Foodgrains Bank)

~ Joan burdock

(Donated to Canadian Foodgrains Bank)

~ Naureen McDonald

(Donated to Canadian Foodgrains Bank)

~ Ron & Linda McRae

John, Marie, Janice and Keith and families I also want to echo Cathy's and Tom's comments... , Aunt Flora and Uncle Dick were very special people -- please know that we're all thinking of you today... On behalf of all of us we extend our deepest sympathies... Paul & Sherrill

~ Paul and Sherrill Weaver

(Donated to Canadian Foodgrains Bank)

~ Lauren & Arly MacDonnell

(Donated to Canadian Foodgrains Bank)

~ Pamela Joy Sheahan

(Donated to Strathroy Hospital)

~ Bill Frank -Oakcrossing

(Donated to Canadian Foodgrains Bank)

~ Vaughan Peckham

(Donated to Canadian Foodgrains Bank)

~ Belle Anne and Dave Luce

(Donated to Canadian Foodgrains Bank)

~ Agnes Weaver

(Donated to Canadian Foodgrains Bank)

~ Robert Taylor

(Donated to Canadian Foodgrains Bank)

~ Suzanne Glasgow

(Donated to Canadian Foodgrains Bank)

~ Judy and Ed Barrie

(Donated to Canadian Foodgrains Bank)

~ Matt King

(Donated to Canadian Foodgrains Bank)

~ KPMG LLP/Shauna Forret

(Donated to Canadian Foodgrains Bank)

~ Nancy Patterson

(Donated to Trinity United Church)

~ Clifford Campbell

My deepest sympathy in your loss of a kind, friendly lady. I recall your parents at the squares dances and O.P.C. with fondness. Hold your many memories close to your heart. Blessings. Shirley Cobban

~ Shirley Cobban

So sorry to lose a good friend Flora. We have had many happy times together over the many year at church and as good friends. We have had many laughs together, breakfasts out, Christmas lunches hosted by Janice and Marie, I will miss her greatly and I know she cherished each one of you and was proud of you all

~ Joan burdock

Flora and Dick were such honourable and compassionate people with hearts of gold. We are thankful for their friendship and Flora will now enter the gates of Heaven to be with her husband Dick and her Lord Jesus

~ Bev and Barb Shipley

We were very sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. I have fond childhood memories of the"gang" get togethers, playing hide and seek, skating on your family pond, eating sweet corn and sweet marie squares and watching Leaf hockey. The Heard farm was always a warm and welcoming place to visit. Thinking of you all at this sad time.

~ Bev and David McLean

Aunt Flora holds a very special place in my heart. Memories go back as far as Oakridge and Aunt Flora shuttling us to the local pool. (big deal to a farm girl). I was there when Uncle Dick announced they were moving to the "farm". And then so many holidays at the farm. I can vividly remember Aunt Flora being the last person at the pool adding the chemicals after the 'kids' had our last swim of the day. I remember camping at Peele Island with Aunt Flora & Uncle Dick sleeping in the back of the station wagon, while the kids slept in the tent. In our last 24 years in Memphis, Doug and I had many wonderful conversations with Uncle Dick and Aunt Flora. First we covered the weather, then crops/agriculture, and then ALWAYS, Aunt Flora filled me in on the news about the kids (John, Marie, Janice and Keith; which then moved onto updates about each and every grandchild. it is why, to this day, I feel like I know (at least a little bit) about Rachel, Anne Marie, Jack, Bill, Jillian, Andrea, Matthew, Andrew, Emily, and Katherine, Nicole and Danielle as well as the significant others. She had quite a laugh telling me about Andrew sneaking away all the cookies that she baked for the entire group; and the "little girls" and their tea biscuit endeavors. She loved you all. Doug & I love Amma's shortbread. I could go on and on... Hugs and love to you all. Cathy & Doug PS I forgot to mention numerous visits to see the Hendersons!!!

~ Cathy & Doug Innes

Dear Janice and Family, My sincere condolences on Flora's passing. Wishing you peace and comfort in the days and weeks ahead. Holly

~ Holly Jordan

Dear Janice, Tom and family, I have fond memories of meeting Flora with her warm welcomes and ready smile. I will always remember with great laughter and gratitude how she quickly responded to our S.O.S, call when the then Governor General Jeanne Sauve was coming to visit us within the hour. She was a very special lady with a wonderful sense of humour! Our heartfelt condolences to you all. Dale and Cam

~ Dale Atchison & Cam Willis

Very sad to read of the passing of Flora. What a wonderful lady! Always enjoyed little visits at agricultural and community events. Always so gracious. Flora and Dick were truly inspirations in our agricultural community. They touched the lives of many including us and we send our sincerest sympathy.

~ Diane and Mike O'Shea

I extend my sympathy to all of the Heard family as you grieve the loss of Flora. I remember well Dick and Flora's involvement at Riverside church during Jack's ministry..May God hold you close during this difficult time.

~ June McKay

I'm so very sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. I remember her as a very kind woman who came to visit my mother and offer support to me while my Mum was ill until she eventually passed away. Visits to the family farm were always very enjoyable. Thinking of you all at this time and glad to hear you could be with her when she left this world. Mari

~ Mari Huston

John, Marie, Janice, Keith and families -- your mom was an elegant, strong, kind woman always up for a bit of fun. We bonded over our farm backgrounds and then on our cruise when the girls were dancing. Thinking of you all. May your memories bring you peace. Joanne, Ken, Brooke and Kate MacDonald

~ Joanne MacDonald

Dear Janice, Tom and Family, We are so sad to hear about the passing of your beloved mother particularly after this tough year with the pandemic. We know how hard it is with the passing of a parent. May you recall all the good times you had together particularly at the farm. We are thinking of all of you. May she rest in peace with your father. Big Hug, Kim and Aldert.

~ Kim and Aldert van Nieuwkoop

John, Marie, Janice, Keith and families: John and I send our sincere condolences in the passing of Flora, she will now be with Dick, which she missed dearly. As a family you were so fortunate to have spent the last week at her bedside. They were a Special Couple.

~ John & Katherine McNaughton

Thinking of the entire London Heard connection at this sad time. I echo cousin Cathy's comments about the great memories we all have of holidays and family events in London. There is no doubt that Aunt Flora was the driving force behind making sure that we all had fun....and probably a little too much to eat.... Aunt Flora and Uncle Dick were a great team, and while I know we are all glad that they are back together, they are both missed and remembered with love.

~ Tom Oldfield

Thinking of you in this time of loss, and praying for precious memories of your wonderful mom, will be a blessing for many years to come. May you feel the Lord's love and comfort. Flora was a great person, fun to talk to. Certainly had the gift of hospitality. With our sympathy, Lorne and Arly

~ Lorne and Arly MacDonnell

John, Marie, Janice & Keith: Sincere condolences on the passing of your Mom. Dick and Flora were special people to me. Cherish their memory.

~ Marian Desjardine

Our deepest sympathies to the whole Heard family on the passing of Flora, Your parents were such great friends and mentors to young and old alike. We will miss them both and am so glad you had a week of love with her.

~ Brian and Laurie Farquharson

I was so saddened to hear of Flora's passing. I did her hair since about 1994. She was such a dedicated client and followed me a few times over the yrs. But she was so much more than just a client. I considered her part of my family. We had many laughs, I loved to hear about her travels, family and life growing up. She was a fascinating person to talked with. I am honoured to have known her and to have her a part of my life. She will be greatly missed. Rest in peace sweet lady.

~ Cabrini Fogwill

Dear Janice and Tom, Rachel and Dakotah, Andrea and Jillian and all of the Heard family, Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your dear mother/Amma. We all still remember and talk about afternoons spent at the 'farm'. Flora was always warm and welcoming with a ready smile and a generous spirit. May she rest in peace and may your memories of her, sustain you through this sad time. Love to you all, The Sheahans

~ Mike and Pam Sheahan and family

Our condolences to your family Janice and Keith! Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time! Jane and Vaughan Peckham

~ Vaughan and Jane Peckham

Our condolences to your family Janice and Keith! Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time! Jane and Vaughan Peckham

~ Vaughan and Jane Peckham

Floria will be missed as she was such a vital member at OPC. I looked forward to seeing her or Dick at the door on Sunday morning as they always provided such a warm welcome

~ Tom Cobban

Our condolences to your family Janice and Keith! Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time! Jane and Vaughan Peckham

~ Vaughan and Jane Peckham

Dear Janice and Family: I was so very sorry to read of your dear Mom's passing. How beautiful to know that she was surrounded by you at the end of her full and happy life. On behalf of our family ( Annie ,Kim and Robbie) I send you my deepest sympathies. I can see where you got your fabulous personality!!! Betsy

~ Betsy Hamilton

Those we love don't go away, They walk beside us everyday, Unseen, unheard but very near, Still missed, still loved and very dear.

~ Don, Elvy, Wayne & Julie Urbshott

My deepest sympathy. I am with you in thought. Agnes

~ Agnes Weaver

I cannot think of a time that the Heard family was not involved in my life. With Dick and my dad, Jack Southen, part of the "Group of 7" from OAC '52, I, along with my brothers, were treated to annual reunions at which the kids ran wild. I think we looked forward to these reunions as much as the Group of 7. Dick and Flora were nothing but kind to me. I have very fond memories of visiting the Heards, and, again, running wild with the 4 Heard kids. To John, Marie, Janice and Keith let me express my heartfelt condolences. I will treasure my memories of Dick and Flora and the entire Heard family. Best regards Dave Southen

~ Dave Southen

We were so saddened to learn today of Flora's passing. Flora and Dick were always a special couple to us and to our boys from swimming in the pool, skating, visiting the sugar bush. Flora drove with John one time to go to an asparagus seminar as she wanted to check out the possibility of growing it. Her knowledge of everything from growing apples to lawn maintenance was pretty impressive! She and Dick were so very proud of their kids and grandchildren and how we loved to share pictures and family stories. In addition to your Mom's kind heart, always interested and thinking of others, she made the best apple pie! They were a remarkable couple who touched and influenced so many lives. One of the highlights of the Christmas season was always getting their newsletters. They are so missed.

~ John and Paula Gardner

The Heard homestead was like a second home to me during my childhood and adolescence. I can smell the apple pie baking, feel the warmth from the wood stove, and hear Flora's infectious laughter. I was always welcome around the big kitchen table, in the swimming pool and sugar bush, and for that I am truly grateful. John, Marie, Janice, and Keith, my heart is with you all during this difficult time. Your parents were models of strength, integrity, togetherness, and community, and their legacy will live on in all the qualities they have passed to their children and grandchildren. Love you all!

~ Shelly Happy

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