Florence McNicoll Obituary

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.

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

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

Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com

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