Celebrating the life and legacy of Florence Rilett (nee Mano), 93
There comes a time in everyone’s life when they have to say goodbye to a loved one. Sometimes the hurt that accompanies that goodbye is so deep that it feels like it will never stop. Though, that can also be a sign of life well-lived. A life full of love, full of family, and full of memories that will remain etched in our hearts.
Florence Mano, born in Guelph, Ontario, July 20, 1929, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2023, at age 93. Florence was the only child of Gus and Elaine Mano, owners of Guelph’s beloved Goody Sweets candy store which stood at the corner of Quebec and Wyndham Street in St. George’s Square from 1934 to 1968. Florence attended Central Public School and Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute before completing her education at the University of Guelph’s Macdonald Institute.
In 1951, Florence married Lindsay Black Jr., only to be widowed at age 27 while caring for her young son, Dean Black, and pregnant with her second child, Lindsay Amos (Black). Though heartbroken, Florence was a resilient, strong-willed, independent woman that never stopped fighting for her family – a trait that endured her entire life.
For over 40 years, Florence worked in the University of Guelph virology lab. It was there, at a research station (located at what’s now Stone Road Mall) that Florence met, fell in love with, and later married Alan Rilett. Together, they built a life that centred around family and friends.
As members of the Norfolk Street United Church for many years, Alan and Florence enjoyed singing in the choir together. Florence was also fondly known by the community as “the chocolate lady” as she carried on the family tradition, legacy, and art of hand-dipped chocolates and Easter novelties that she gifted to the people she cared for – her family, friends, co-workers, church members, and local store owners.
Mom to Lindsay Amos (Rob Amos) and Dean Black, Grandma to Matthew Amos, Shelby Amos (Nick Jones), and Sam Black, and great Grandma to the newest members of her family, Mia and Hana Jones, Florence was our rock. She was the glue that held our family together, and the matriarch that showed us how to lead with love, kindness, and compassion.
Her strength allowed her to overcome two previous battles with cancer, but her final fight proved too much. Handled with grace and dignity to the very end, Mom was laid to rest with a private family funeral on March 17th, at Gilchrist Chapel McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home.
Mom was one of the most generous, giving people you could ever have the pleasure of meeting. In lieu of cards, flowers or donations, we ask that you please do a kind gesture for a neighbour, a friend, a relative, or a stranger, and say, “this one’s for Flo.” That will help mend our broken hearts more than anything else.
We would like to thank the following people: Our supportive friends and relatives, and especially Shirley, Jan, and Ingrid who have helped our family immensely over these last few difficult months. The staff and volunteers at Hospice Wellington, who for 10 days were like angels, helping guide us through our hardest hours.