Obituary of Florence Jean Bodkin

Bodkin: Peacefully at Babcock Community Care Centre, Wardsville on January 30, 2021, Florence Jean Bodkin, nee Gardiner, at the age of 92 years. Beloved wife for 51 years of the late Leigh Bodkin (1998). Cherished mother of the late Jean Smart (2019), Loretta Johnson (late Bryan), and Doug (Lorraine) Bodkin. Proud grandmother of Kody. Florence will also be missed by her son-in-law, John Smart, her nieces and nephew. Predeceased by her brothers Doug Gardiner of Orford Township and John Gardiner of Aldborough Township. Florence was a true farmer who loved barn and field work and was the rock of her family. She had a beautiful smile and a joyous laugh that we will always remember. Her love, strength, wisdom and resilience will continue to inspire us all. The family offers their heartfelt thanks to the compassionate and dedicated staff at Babcock Community Care Centre who became Florence's extended family. We also thank Dr. Parnell for his care. A Private Family Service will be will be live streamed http://www.livememorialservices.com/Home/ServiceDetail/10381  on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at 1 p.m. Arrangements entrusted to the John C. Badder Funeral Home, Thamesville. Interment Mayhew-Mt.Pleasant Cemetery, Thamesville. Donations in memory of Florence can be made to Babcock Community Care Centre-Resident Fund, Bothwell United Church or Four Counties Health Services Foundation. Online condolences and donations may be left at www.badderfuneralhome.com. 

In Praise of Farm Mothers

Farm Mothers raise the next generation of farmers,

and they pass on the legacy of the previous one. 

They run a household and a business, they fix dinner and injuries. 

They tend pets and livestock, they drive trucks and tractors. 

But most of all, they love and support their families. 

And that's what really keeps a farm running.