FLORENCE N. BARRINGTON

Florence Nielsen Barrington, died peacefully with loving family at her bedside on December 27th, 2014 at Brookridge Heights Assisted Living in Marquette. Born May 19, 1924 in West Bend, Wisconsin to Florence and C.I. (Chester) Nielsen. Pre-deceased by husband Robert Barrington, brothers Chet and William and sister, Marjorie. Florence, affectionately known as "Shatzie" to family, graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, with a Bachelor's degree in Public Health Nursing and then worked as nurse for Dane County. In 1951 she married Robert (Bob) Barrington and they settled in Eau Clair until 1955 when they moved to Madison where Bob worked for the Wisconsin State Parole Board and Florence worked as an educator at the vocational school teaching natural childbirth. By 1961 they had 5 children; Robert, Niel, Daniel, Andrew and Amy. In 1968, the family moved to Ottawa, Ontario where Bob co-founded the department of Criminology at the University of Ottawa and Florence continued to work as a natural childbirth educator. In 1979, Florence and Bob returned to the U.S. where Bob took a position as a teaching professor at NMU and became head of the Criminal Justice Depart...[more]

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t. Florence returned to nursing working in various departments of Marquette General Hospital and volunteered as a hospice nurse. She most enjoyed her work in the MGH Psychiatric ward until she retired in 1990. The Barringtons were members of the First Presbyterian Church of Marquette where Florence was a choir member, Deacon and Elder. She was cherished as a Steven's Ministry trainer, assisting the pastor in this challenging and important endeavor. Florence served as the chair of the Marquette Beautification Committee for a term and was a valued member for many years. She cultivated a beautiful garden and generously shared flowers and plants with friends and neighbors. It pleased her that her garden was included in the annual Beautification Committee Garden Tour. She also served on the board of directors of the Marquette/Alger chapter of the Alzheimer Association. Florence is survived by her five children: Robert (Erin); Niel (Odette); Dan (Esther LaVoy); Andrew (Helen) and Amy (Greg Schlappi), 13 grandchildren: David; Amy Catherine; Robert; Megan; Jesse; Lucas LaVoy; Charlie LaVoy; Alexander; Logan LaVoy; Thomas LaVoy; Rachel; Luke; Ben Schlappi, 1 great grandchild: Locke LaVoy, and special friend, Miriam Hilton. A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 2, 2015 at 1:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church, 120 N Front St., Marquette. The family will greet relatives and friends at the church from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Following the service there will be food and fellowship in the church hall. Donations to the Marquette Adult Day Services, 305 W Magnetic St., Marquette or the Greater Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer Association, 309 S Front St., Suite 233, Marquette are greatly appreciated. The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.