April 28, 1935 – November 9, 2012
Florence was born April 28,1935 at the village of Sleepy
Hollow in Grand Forks B.C. to Tony and Pauline Seminoff.
She received her schooling at the Fructova school, learning to read and write in both English and Russian.
As a girl Florence was involved in the USCC youth group and choir, and sang in a trio with her sister Nellie and cousin Pauline Seminoff (Shkuratoff). It was at youth and choir that she met John Zibin. After John left for work to the Okanagan and later returned to Sleepy Hollow, Florence was then a young woman and they courted, fell in love and married on May 3, 1952.
After their marriage Florence and John set up their own home in Sleepy Hollow and saw the birth of their son Steve in October 1953, daughter Betty in March 1956, and son Johnnie in September 1958. In 1959 the family moved to west Grand Forks in their newly built home where the youngest daughter Shelly was born in November of 1963.
Florence spent her time working in the home caring for her family. She also spent many years volunteering with the USCC ladies group, cooking for funerals and various church functions. Besides the everyday duties of the home Florence was involved with the children’s busy schedules, chauffeuring them from their various activities such as hockey, figure skating, baton majorettes, drama, music lessons and rock band practises. When the children were older Florence enjoyed yoga and art lessons where she became very talented at bark painting. She enjoyed gardening and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, often cooking with them and sharing her special traditional recipes that had been passed down to her from her ancestors to be carried on for future generations. Grandson Drew learned the art of Borsch making and Baba with pride admitted that he had learned well and that his borsch often rivalled her own.
Throughout the years Florence and John enjoyed camping and travelling to various destinations such as Hawaii, Mexico, Jamaica and Cuba.
Florence lived at her beloved family home until her peaceful passing at the age of 77, on November 9, 2012.
Florence was predeceased by her parents Pauline and Tony Seminoff, precious daughter Shelly and the love of her life, her husband of 60 years John Zibin.
Florence is survived by her son Steve and wife Debbie, son John and wife Connie, and daughter Betty Gelter and husband Jeff; her nine grandchildren, Vaneesa, Christa, Justin, Vicki, Audra, Drew, Colleen, Amanda and Quentyn; and great-grandchildren Ethan and Anna. Also surviving Florence is her twin sister Nellie Semenoff, sister Betty Plotnikoff and sister Joyce Osachoff, all of Grand Forks; and many nieces and nephews.
Florence was a devoted caring wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother who loved her family very much. She was a lifetime member of the USCC.
Florence will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Thank you God for accepting her soul into Your Heavenly kingdom.
A traditional Doukhobor funeral was held Saturday November 17, 2012, in the chapel at the Grand Forks Funeral Home. J.J. Verigin officiated the service. Burial followed at the Sion Russian Doukhobor cemetery. Grand Forks Funeral was entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
The family is deeply appreciative of everyone who telephoned, sent flowers and cards, brought food, visited the home and attended the service and all who travelled from afar. We are also grateful to Everett Baker and staff at the Grand Forks Funeral Home; J.J. Verigin for guidance comfort and exceptional care in officiating at the service; the singers, cooks and Larry Kimoff and Larry Jmaiff for preparing the gravesite. We are truly grateful to all for your love and support at this difficult time.
Donations to B.C. Heart and Stroke, Iskra or a charity of choice is appreciated.