On Sunday November 20, after a brave struggle with Dementia, Norma, wife, Mom , Grandma, Great Grandma, sister and Aunt surrounded by family, peacefully left us to be with the Lord.
She was predeceased by her parents, brother Allan Downes and sister-in-law Gwen Downes.
Family members left to cherish all the great memories are husband Ron, daughters Jacqueline Corbett (John), Anita Watts, Rhonda Powrie( Steve).
Grandchildren Catie Corbett, Rachel Ma (Jon), Jane Corbett, Brianna Powrie (Ben) and Taylor Powrie (Hanna). Great Grandchildren Ben, Janaya and Lilia Ma. Siblings Edna Armstrong, Gordon Downes and Mavis Morrison (Jim). Sister-in-law Linda Downes. Also left to remember her are her numerous nieces and nephews. Norma was particularly proud of all of her family.
Norma was born in New Westminster and grew up in Haney B.C. She graduated from Maple Ridge Seconday where she excelled at track and field. Upon graduation she took her nurses training at Royal Columbian Hospital. After marrying Ron in 1962 and a Short Stint at Vancouver General and Chilliwack, in 1964 the family moved to Westwold to accommodate Ron’s teaching career. In 1966 the move was made to Kamloops and as a part-time nurse Norma began her nursing career at Royal Inland Hospital. Over the years she nursed on different floors, became a head nurse, supervisor and finally retired from the position of Director of Mental Health Services.
In 1975 property was purchased in Valleyview with river frontage and a house was built that would accommodate large gatherings. Besides her rose and vegetable gardening Norma was the beautiful hostess for many staff parties both nurses/doctors and teachers, baby showers, birthday parties, graduation parties, church gatherings and anniversary parties.
Along with her family, career and friendships, the Baptist Church and her faith were always an important part of her life from a young age to present. She was always active in the organization of Sunday School, music and cooking for large groups. Her interest in music carries over into the community where she was involved in choirs and musical productions.
In retirement, travelling every year and active community service were important to Norma. She was a founding member and President of the Kamloops Adult Learning Society and a Director and President of Thompson Rivers University Alumni.
Many thanks to the staff and Dr. Wynne for the special care given to Norma at Ridgeview Lodge.
A Celebration of life will be held at a later date.
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Lori Jane Froese
Norma shone a light so bright it’s warmth was felt in her presence. She was always so inviting and open with me and my family. I remember one Christmas in particular when we didn’t have an family around, Norma invited us in to her beautiful home to spend the time with her family. It is a special memory as is the smile I saw on Norma’s face everytime I saw her. She was well loved as she loved so well.
Anita
She was indeed well loved and loved well, Thankyou Lori Jane
Sharon Black
Dear Ron & family: I would like to express my sincere condolences to you and your family at this time. Norma was such a lovely lady, with a beautiful smile and I know she will be dearly missed. May she Rest In Peace.
Jennie Stadnichuk
Dear Ron and family: Please accept my (and my family’s) condolences on Norma’s passing. Remembering Norma brings to mind what a lovely neighbour she was and of course daughters who reflected her kindness whenever they babysat my children! Also noteworthy about Norma was her return to University that resulted with Graduation in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Norma and myself and one other ‘mature’ student proudly accepted our degrees. Such an achievement, especially for a ‘mature’ student was noteworthy as her life was very full in addition to her studying. As written in her Obituary, her amazing volunteering with KALS contributed so much to the variety of courses offered. She will be missed in so many ways.