Florence R. "Ginger" (Paula) McKinnon, 88. of Worcester, died Tuesday, January 23rd in the Jewish Healthcare Center. She was predeceased by the love of her life, Thomas F. McKinnon, husband of 70 years who passed away in April of 2017. She leaves her daughters, Judith Wood and her husband, Richard of Rutland and Janice Chevalier and her husband, Wayne of Panama City Beach, FL; her brother, Arthur Paula of Campton, NH; two sisters, Evelyn R. Coggans and Geraldine M. Hicks, both of Sutton, her son-in-law Francis P. Petty of Worcester; seven grandchildren, Kristen Pepin, Melissa Shortell, Richard Wood, Jr. Matthew Beaupre, Megan Fikucki, Shannon Emmons and Derek Petty; 13 great-grandchildren, a great great-grandson and many nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by a daughter, Sharon E. Petty and a sister, Gertrude F. Anderson.
She was born in Worcester, the daughter of Arthur F. and Florence A. (Latendresse) Paula. Florence was a graduate of the former High School of Commerce and then at the age of 40, returned to school and graduated from David Hale Fanning School of Nursing. She had been employed as a Licensed Practical Nurse and retired from the former Washburn House as charge nurse. Her faith was important to her and had been a long time member of Our Lady of the Angels Parish. Florence enjoyed time spent with family, especially her grand children and great-grandchildren. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Jewish Healthcare Center and Hospice for their care, compassion and support provided to Florence during her stay.
Her funeral is Monday, January 29th from O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main Street. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery. Calling hours are Sunday, January 28th from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.