Flora Sarah (McDonald) Wade
Flora Sarah (McDonald) Wade passed away peacefully at her home in Mountlake Terrace, Washington on March 28th, 2015 at the age of 86. She was born in Ladysmith, B.C. Canada on September 25, 1928 to Donald and Mary McDonald. Flora is survived by her son, Scott McDonald Wade, daughter, Barbara Lynn Wade, and cousin Barbara Webb. She was preceded in death by her husband Donald Glenn Wade, brother Donald McDonald and sister Barbara McDonald.
Flora’s father was killed in a coal mine explosion when she was just two years old. She was raised by her mother in a small house on five acres in Ladysmith. Flora had many fond childhood memories, swimming at Transfer Beach, attending and playing basketball and softball for the Ladysmith schools, and working at the local town theater. After graduating from Ladysmith High School, Flora attended the Vancouver General Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1951. She was a Registered Nurse from 1951-1964, beginning her career working with children during the polio epidemic. Flora worked at the University of Minnesota Hospital, Seattle Children’s (Orthopedic) Hospital, and Virginia Mason Hospital.
Flora met the love of her life, Donald Wade, in Seattle and they married on August 18, 1962. The couple welcomed their first child, Scott, in 1964, at which time Flora left nursing to be a full-time mom. They celebrated the birth of their daughter, Barbara, in 1966. Flora was a very involved mother well known for her direct and outspoken nature. She returned to nursing in 1984 after her children had finished high school.
An amazing storyteller, Flora often recalled memories of her childhood in Ladysmith and her nursing career. She was known to many as a family and Ladysmith historian, recalling intricate details of her family and town histories. Flora was a fair and open minded person with a wonderfully dry wit. She was strong and independent her entire life. Until age 85, she continued to drive from her home in Seattle to visit family & friends in Vancouver and Ladysmith.
Flora was a remarkable wife, mother, and friend and will be sorely missed by many. However, her humor, strength, and stories will live on through us all.
A celebration of Flora’s life will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, April 18 at the
Edmonds Conference Center, 201 Fourth Ave N. www.EdmondsConferenceCenter.com In lieu of flowers, guests are encouraged to wear something purple in Flora’s honor.