Florence Marjorie Lowry
August 28, 1940 - March 31, 2025
Funeral Details: Private family arrangements have been made.
Florence passed away peacefully at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre on March 31, 2025, after a short illness, at the age of 84.
Beloved wife of the late Peter Lowry (2024) for 61 years. Mother of Kate Epps (Barry) and the late James Lowry (2023). Proud “Baba” of Jake and Ryan Epps. Cherished sister of Nancy Richmond. She was so loved by her many nieces and nephews.
Florence was a proud sorority sister of Beta Sigma Phi, enjoying lifelong friendships and tons of fun. Her passion for singing was undeniable—she was a talented vocalist whose voice will be deeply missed by those who had the privilege of hearing her perform. In her younger years, she was a member of the Tom De Moreas Swing Orchestra, bringing joy to many through her music.
Florence was a dedicated friend and neighbor, always bringing warmth and laughter to those around her. She also had a love for entertaining; their home in North York hosted many pool parties and events, where countless memories were made.
She gave generously of her time to the MS Society of Canada. For anyone wishing to make a donation in honour of her memory, this would be her preferred organization. https://mscanada.ca/
Susan Hamlen
Posted on: Monday, April 7, 2025My deepest condolences to you and your family Kate. I will cherish the memories I have of Florence growing up.
Beth Shervington
Posted on: Monday, April 7, 2025Florence will certainly be missed by her friends at 37 Peel Street. RIP my friend💕💕
Peter Bursztyn
Posted on: Monday, April 7, 2025I was initially friendly with Peter Lowry – talking to him 5-6 times every week on political matters.
However, my wife (Elaine) and I took Florence to the Metropolitan Opera at the movie theatre often.
There we enjoyed some of the world’s best opera performance and munched my chopped egg sandwiches on home-made bread, plus Florence’s cookies.
Peter – affectionately referred to as “the Philistine” wasn’t invited!
After Peter died, we took Florence to dinner at Swiss Chalet (her choice) several times.
I also took her food shopping; although I offered to push the cart, she refused, saying she liked it “for balance”!
When Florence became too ill to go out, I made her beef and carrot stew, partitioned out into 500ml yoghurt tubs and frozen ready to heat up and serve with rice or noodles . . .
Florence was a lovely lady, and we miss her . . .
Peter Bursztyn
Posted on: Tuesday, April 8, 2025Originally, I was Peter Lowry’s friend – we spoke about politics 5-6 times a week!
But when we learned that Florence loved Opera, my wife and I began taking her to the Metropolitan Opera at the movie theatre at Barrie’s south end.
There we happily chomped chopped egg sandwiches (on my home-made bread) during the intermission – Florence supplied cookies.
Peter – commonly referred to as Philistine – wasn’t invited to the opera!
After Peter died, I would take Florence grocery shopping; she insisted on pushing the cart because it helped her maintain her balance . . .
She loved the beef stew I prepared for her, frozen into 500g yoghurt containers – add it to rice or noodles for an easy meal!
Elaine and I are greatly saddened by Florence’s passing.
Lily and Doug Booth
Posted on: Tuesday, April 8, 2025Florence was a very interesting lady and always had a story to tell from her years of entertaining and travels. Condolences to her family. RIP Florence.
Sally Theysmeyer
Posted on: Friday, April 11, 2025I’ll miss you Florence. Remembering all the good times at Nita’s cottage!
Sally
Rosemary Mowat
Posted on: Saturday, April 12, 2025Apple picking = great pies October 2021. We had fun at the VON SMART exercise classes at the Y. Funny that Peter’s family line was related to Sir Oliver. Mr. Ridge 🐶 and I will miss our lunches with you Florence. RIP my dear.
Blessings to you Kate during this difficult time.
Rosemary
Nita Acker
Posted on: Saturday, April 19, 2025I met Florence at Sorority (Beta Sigma Phi) in Toronto more years ago than I would like to admit. She & Peter and Gary & I became great friends.
After we co-hosted the 1985 Beta Sigma Phi Tri-City Convention, along with Mississauga & Scarborough, I asked a small group to continue the closeness we had established by visiting my Tobin Island cottage for a weekend each year. Florence was part of that group, along with sorority members Peggy Corson, Rose Wood, Sharon Cass (deceased) & Karen Scanlan (deceased), in addition to my friends Lorraine Hyatt & Sally Theysmeyer. We enjoyed great food and lots of laughter for over 30 years.
The attached photo is of Florence singing with a band – a very impromptu event when we visited Windemere House in 2018.