Obituary of Flora M. Hall
It is with shock and incredible sadness that we announce the passing of Flora Marie Colautti Hall. Flora passed away with family by her side at the Halifax Infirmary, Nova Scotia on September 23, 2024.
Flora was her usual healthy, vibrant self right up to her final days. Her absence is a profound loss to her family, her countless friends, Shady (her cat) and the community she loved, and was so deeply immersed.
Flora was born in Pescincanna, Italy. Her family immigrated to Toronto when Flora was 7yrs old. She went on to graduate from York University with a degree in English Literature that she acquired as a mature student, while raising Andrea.
Flora had a fantastic sense of humour and a curious mind. Reading a good book was her favourite pastime. Other loves were CBC radio (she was a news and talk radio junkie), theatre, Seinfeld, music of all genres, late night political talk shows (she watched highlights every morning with her cappuccino), The New Yorker magazine was a favourite and always close by (she did the crosswords in pen!) She loved a glass of wine (or two..) and she loved to travel..especially to Italy where she vacationed several times and twice travelled to teach English as a second language. Most of all she loved people. She was genuinely interested in everyone's story, and would strike up conversation with anyone, anywhere. Flora thoroughly enjoyed the company of her 'Cari Amici' (Dear Friends) in her Italian club, her book club peeps, her yoga group, her steadfast friend Michele Hall (50 yrs of friendship), and of course her Andrea.
From post secondary school onward, Flora's unwavering enthusiasm carried her forward through a successful and diverse professional life. In 1989, she and her former husband Brad Hall moved from their busy life in Toronto to Granville Ferry, N.S. They ran Bayberry House Bed and Breakfast and she then opened The Market House Art Gallery just down the street. Flora then shifted her career focus to financial planning, and in the early 2000's became a licensed real estate agent.
When Flora retired, she turned her attention full time to volunteer work. Her support for the arts was legendary, and she was involved in many arts organizations. Her work with both King's Theatre and The Annapolis Region Community Art Council, as Board Member and hard working volunteer, spanned three decades. She was instrumental in reviving Young Company Productions, serving as President for a decade. She was also very involved in Annapolis District Drama Group, both onstage and backstage. More recently, Annapolis West Education Centre also benefited greatly from the volunteer hours Flora contributed, reading with students and providing classroom support.
She was a friend indeed. If there was a fundraiser or special event in the community, you can be sure Flora was there helping to make it happen.
Flora was known for her quick wit, and a quip and a laugh were always at hand. She was known for her gregarious energy, and many newcomers to the community have a story about how Flora made them feel so welcome. She took a great interest in youth and knew the names of almost every kid in the community. She was a very active person, and could be seen walking through Granville Ferry everyday.
Her circle of friends was wide, and her loss is incalculable.
Rest in Peace Flora.
A Celebration of Flora's Life will be held at King's Theatre, Saturday October 12th at 3pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The King's Theatre Foundation, Annapolis Regional Arts Council, Annapolis County Health Centre, IWK Hospital, The Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Flora is predeceased by her father Elio Colautti. Survived by her mother Elvira Colautti, her siblings: Renzo Colautti (Barbara), Clori Ley, John Colautti (Patty), her many nieces and nephews, and her daughter Andrea Boag (David Scott).