It is with heavy hearts the family of Norma Sharon Diane Hurlbert announce her passing on December 6, 2022, after a lengthy battle with cancer, with her family by her side.
Mom was born July 20, 1945 and grew up in Suomi, Ontario. In 1965, Mom met the love of her life, Rodney and they were married July 8, 1966. We celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary this past summer. Mom worked in a bank and an optical shop until she had us girls. She was proud to be a stay-at-home mom, for several years before re-entering the workforce. She had various jobs before her final position as a File Clerk with the City of Thunder Bay, retiring at the age of 62. Over the years, Mom kept very active. She enjoyed walking, traveling, gardening, knitting, scrapbooking, and baking. She was a very talented calligraphist. Mom took a strong interest in her grandchildren’s lives, never missing a hockey or soccer game or karate lesson.
Norma is survived by her husband Rodney, daughters Stacy (Ron) Heerema, Marcie, and Michelle (Chris Hay). Grandchildren Chris (Kristi), Matt (Tara), Braiden (Kourtni), Devon Heerema and Austin (Jocelyn) Banning. Great grandchildren Abbi, Zander, Huxley, Hensley Heerema, and Asriel Therriault. Mummu 2 to Ronan and Liam Kelly. Siblings: Marlene Proud, Eileen (Roy) Smith, Margaret Karila, Donna (Steve) Druhar, Karen (Richard) Legarde, Clifford (Marlene) Karila, Lorna (Stan) Shafranski, Marie Peltonen, and Joanne (Brian) Novak. In-laws: Coreen (Terry) Garrity, Fred (Connie) Hurlbert, and Jim Hurlbert. As well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Predeceased by her parents Laurie and Impi Karila, father and mother in-law Nathan and Mildred Hurlbert, sister Shirley Lindfors, brothers in-law Sven Lindfors, Brian Peltonen, Elgin Proud, sister in-law Margaret Hurlbert, nephews Brian Proud and Steven Lindfors.
Our family would like to thank Dr. Ibrahim, Dr. Anthes, Dr. Ward, Dr. Mozzon, nurses Jolene, Tyler, and Alana for their care of mom over the course of her illness. A special thank you to Veronica and Mi from Bayshore. And of course, to all our family and friends who have visited, called or messaged us.
A celebration of Norma’s life will be held in the Reception Centre of Harbourview Funeral Centre on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. with words of tribute beginning at 1:00 p.m. For those unable to attend in person, the tributes will be streamed live and archived at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca where condolences may be offered as well.
In lieu of flowers, you may donate to The Northern Cancer Fund, or a charity of your choice.
