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Flora Estabrooks
July 8, 1935 - March 1, 2017
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<div itemprop="description">Estabrooks, Flora Evelyn age 81 - Dartmouth<br>Passed away peacefully on March, 1, 2017 at Dartmouth General Hospital, while holding Tom’s hand. Born in Fredericton, NB in July 1935, she was the daughter of the late George and Muriel (Tibert) Coy. She will be forever missed by her husband of 63 years, Thomas Estabrooks; sons Michael (Rhonda) and Dana (Elsie); granddaughter Sarah (Simon Larose); grandson Ryan. She is survived by her sister Frances Ann (Garfield Urquhart) of Douglas, NB. Flora was predeceased by her parents and her brother George (Carol) Coy.<br>Flora graduated from Fredericton High School, class of ’53, with plans to attend UNB. However, the love of her life, Tom, returned from the Korean War just in time to change her life forever. Her academic plans were put on hold while she began her new career as a wife and mother. <br>Flora always made friends easily, and the older navy-wives welcomed the “new kid” to their close-knit fraternity. Out of necessity Flora had to quickly learn a strange language, Navalese! Flora was the epitome of the ideal navy wife. A quick study, she easily made the transition from a university student living in a cozy middle-class home, to being a sailor’s young bride. She accepted the fact that her husband’s first duty was to the navy. If her marriage was to succeed it was she who would have to adapt. She would learn how to stand on a Halifax jetty and wave goodbye without tears, even when her heart was breaking. Although she would never wear any medals, or get “mentioned in dispatches,” she was Tom’s hero. <br><br>While Tom was keeping the sea lanes open, Flora was keeping the home fires burning, and counting the days until his ship would be back in port. Her time was spent looking after the kids, shoveling snow, and trying to manage the finances until allotment-cheque day. Hey! Nobody ever said "Life is fair."<br>Flora was a very talented gal. An accomplished pianist and accordion player, she was also an avid gardener and excellent cook. Her family will always remember those special Christmases at Grammys. Most of all she was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. <br>Flora and Tom moved with their young family to their dream house in the Woodlawn area of Dartmouth in 1969. Flora was very proud of both her vegetable and flower gardens.<br>A very generous person, she loved her home and her family. She took special pleasure in watching her grandchildren grow from little kids to adults. <br>Flora was employed by Sobeys for 14 years as head cashier in several Dartmouth stores. She spent the last 20 years of her working life as a clerk for the Dept. of Motor Vehicles.<br>Flora took pride in her physical fitness and was a loyal member of the YMCA for over 25 years. When in her late 70s she continued working out on a regular basis.<br><br><br>It is impossible to personally thank all the people at DGH that made Flora’s final days comfortable. Their kindness will never be forgotten. Special thanks to Dr. Laura Moeller for her compassionate care.<br><br>Cremation has taken place. At some future date (known only to God) Flora’s ashes will be mixed with Tom’s and once again they will be united. Their ashes then will be spread on the waters of Halifax Harbour.<br>A celebration of Flora’s life will take place in Atlantic Funeral Home, 771 Main St. Dartmouth on, Monday, March 6 at 2pm followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Flora’s name to the Dartmouth General Hospital. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be made at www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com. (Dartmouth Chapel)<br><br><br><br></div>