Florence H. McNicoll

Mass of Christian Burial for Florence H. McNicoll, 87, Lawrence will be held 10am Thursday, May 29th at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 6001 Bob Billings Parkway, Lawrence. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Florence passed away May 23, 2014 peacefully at her home.

Florence was born on July 4, 1926 in Buffalo, New York to Thomas S.C. and Ida (Solfrank) Murphy. She was employed by Pratt and Lambert in the lab. On May 19, 1945 Florence married John Benjamin McNicoll, formerly the boy next door. In Buffalo John was employed at DuPont and they had three children. Sharing a passion for nature, in 1956 they purchased a small cottage on a lake outside Minden Ontario for family vacations.

In 1958 John and Florence were transferred by DuPont to Kansas. They settled in Lawrence where they had their fourth child. They maintained their cottage in Canada for annual family vacations. In Lawrence Florence continued her volunteer work including driving head start children, meals on wheels, Democratic poll worker during elections, and volunteer at blood donor events. She was active in St. John’s Alter Society, American Legion Auxiliary, and a founding member of the Green Thumb Garden Club. Florence was a founding member of Corpus Christi Catholic Community and was a long term member of the Choir and a Eucharistic Minister.

In 1970, John and Florence opened McNicoll’s Liquor which Florence managed. They sold the business in 1983 so Florence could care full time for her beloved husband. After her husband’s death in 1985, Florence began to pursue her next career as an income tax specialist for H&R Block. There she achieve Enrolled Agent (EA) status and made many lasting friendships with co-workers and clients. Florence continued working for H&E Block until 2013.

Aside from her work Florence had a passion for cards, particularly bridge and pinochle. She was a member of St. John’s Pinochle Group, Alvamar Ladies Bridge, and University Club Bridge to name just a few. Florence was a founding member of a Tuesday bridge foursome which has been active for 45 years.

Survivors include John McNicoll and wife, Diane, Lake of the Hills, IL; Susan McNicoll, San Mateo, California; Cynthia “Cindy” McNicoll, Lawrence; two grandchildren, Joshua Hunnel and Tina Ison; three great grandchildren, Brittany and Matthew Ison and Katie Parker. She was preceded in death by husband John, her daughter, Cathy L. Tinsley and grandson, John T. McNicoll, Jr.

A Parish Rosary will be said at 2pm Wednesday, May 28th at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. A visitation will follow until 6pm.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to L.I.N.K. and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.

6 Condolences

  1. Mary and Joe Sharp on May 25, 2014 at 10:19 am

    Cindy and family

    Your mother was a very sweet lady and mentor to me on doing tax returns. She was also a loving mother/grandmother to you all and I know will be missed by your all. I was very blessed in knowing her and teaching me to do tax returns. My prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family.



  2. Linda Folsom Tolbert on May 25, 2014 at 10:48 am

    Cindy So Sorry for your Loss. I got a chance to meet your mom while working at H and R Block last year. She was a very sweet woman. I know that she will be greatly missed by her family and her H and R Block family. RIP in Florence



  3. Charlotte Byrnes & Family on May 26, 2014 at 5:01 pm

    Dear John & Diane, Susan, Cindy, Tina and Josh and Family………we were extremed saddened to hear of Florence’s passing. She will be missed by everyone and those of us here in Canada (Big Bob Lake) will miss her terribly and seeing her at the lake, we have known Florence for over 50 years and what can you say about an incredible lady like her…….she was one of a kind……………the smile……the laugh……
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time……sending much love from Toronto……in friendship…..Charlotte, Cathie, Glen and Nancy…..xoxoxoox



  4. Kim Murphree on May 27, 2014 at 8:28 am

    Cindy….I am thinking of you and want you to know that you are in our prayers. Times like these are never easy, but you are not alone. You are loved! I hope that you find peace and comfort and in the end, a semblance of joy in knowing that mother’s love never ends. God bless and keep you.



  5. Murl and Carla (Amerine) Westheffer on May 28, 2014 at 5:37 am

    Dear Cindy,
    Deepest condolences for your loss. We know how precious those family vacations were for you and your family. May memories of that special time together help ease your sadness now. Our warmest thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Murl and Carla Westheffer



  6. NANCY AND JIM AND ALL THE GARBUTT GANG on May 28, 2014 at 11:35 am

    Dear John and Dianne, Cindy and Josh, Susan, Tina and her family,

    We were so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. What a lady, she sure had a full and active life. She lived life to the fullest. Never a dull moment for Florence. She will be missed up here at the lake. We didn’t see her much in the last few years, because of her knees. I”m 20 yrs. younger than her and the hill would stop me even now. We enjoyed our visits we had with her “up the hill”. A glass of cheer and a good chin wag. I remember the last time your Mom was out and about around the water. We were all going over to “Linger On” for a barbeque and Mom fell getting out of the boat.

    Our sincery sympathy to all the Family. Jim and Nancy



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