Tribute

Marie Florence “Flo” Schreiner passed away Aug. 22nd 2026, weeks from her 91st birthday. She left this world surrounded by love, comforted by the steady presence of her beloved daughter her youngest “Ceci” at her side until the end, where they were joined by her eldest Viola. With 7 children 14 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren she was a hardworking, strong, resilient woman.

Early years were tough being the eldest of 14 living in Saskatchewan between farm life and residential school. By the age of 15 Flo was earning and saving money running a café, between running from the life she was born into. She was going to head to Nashville to be a country and western singer. En route she met the love of her life Camille, they married and together moved to northern BC, bought land, built a few houses and raised their family. They had horses, cows, goats, ducks, geese, chickens and many gardens and greenhouses. They hunted and harvested, preserved and canned together. Flo loved to bake, so the house always smelled of fresh bread or apple pie or hearty stews and soups. She was an extraordinary cook and took great pride in it. She won “Best Of” year after year with her pies, breads, cheesecake and preserves of all sorts, sweet and pickled; she even won with her blackberry wine! First prize ribbons and trophies were commonplace in the house with mom’s winnings at fall fairs! She kept a menagerie of animals on her hobby farms. She always had outside big dogs and little dogs inside; along with inside cats, the house was always warm by the fireplace with a dog or cat curled up on your lap! She loved the North, skidooing, three-wheeling hunting, camping, road trips and rodeos; they traveled all around the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Alaska, across Canada a few times! Flo always worked throughout her life earning a living and saving money, which was important to her. Where she found the energy no one knows! She was impeccable and meticulous, always had a clean house and her children were always clean and dressed nice with clothes that she made for them.

After many years and much adventure, once all of their children left home they decided to semi-retire on Salt Spring Island in the early 80s. Camille ran his barber shops, Flo ran her cafes and kitchens; they continued to work and enjoy the ease of a West Coast lifestyle, yet always pining for the wilds of the North! Flo and Camille worked up until the end of their lives. Camille did his last haircut months before he died in 2012; he was 81. Flo was driving herself to a potluck dinner party the night before she died!

She had many dear friends on Salt Spring some she met over the many years of volunteering, feeding the homeless, cooking and serving at Seniors for Seniors, the years of caregiving and helping the elderly. Her passion was helping others in need and those less fortunate as well as animals – she rescued a few! Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church was an integral part of her life she had very dear friendships within her church.

Flo will be remembered for always having an open door. She had a protective nature, a strong will, a vivacious, mischievous and sometimes wicked sense of humour! Her fresh baked bread, pies, cakes and treats, her creativity sewing, crocheting, painting and designing she loved to create Beauty. She will be missed so very dearly for she was so deeply truly loved by many.

Services have already taken place. Memorial contributions can be made to Cats of Salt Spring Rescue Society.