On completion of her studies in Canada, Florence made the decision to return to Malaysia to be reunited with her family. However, she chose to travel by boat, as she wished to visit her sister Pixie, who was working as a dentist in London, UK. On 25th July, 1958, Florence boarded the RMS Invernia destined for Southampton, UK, stopping en route via Le Havre. Once in the UK, she stayed with Pixie in London and by chance, at one of their mahjong sessions, was introduced to fellow dentist Gabriel Teik Kiew Oh. Romance blossomed, and, to coin a phrase, the rest is history!
Florence sought employment in the UK, and held a number of positions, firstly at Caldecott Community Childrens Home in Ashford, Kent, then moving to St. John’s Hospital in Aylesbury.
Sadly in 1961, Florence learnt that her mum, who had been suffering from breast cancer, was deteriorating so she made arrangements to return to Malaysia. She stayed for a few months, helping to nurse her ailing mother and whilst doing so also worked as a teacher of English Literature at the Raja Perumpuan English School in Ipoh. After her mother passed away, she returned to England where her marriage to Gabriel took place in London on March 23rd, 1962. They married at Kensington Registry Office followed by a lavish reception at the Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant on Shaftesbury Avenue, London attended by many friends and colleagues.
March 23rd, 1962
Florence commenced working at London County Council as a social worker, whilst Gabriel now had his own dental practice in Morden, Surrey. Florence applied for a scholarship to specialise in psychiatric social work at LSE and. despite fierce competition, she was over the moon to learn that she had been awarded it. However, regrettably, she subsequently had to decline the offer as she soon discovered she was expecting her first child.
