Peacefully passed away on Monday, October 28, 2024.
Norma was a wonderful mother to Shelley Findlay (Terry), Deborah Bellini (David Easter) and Mark Bellini (Candice). Very proud nana to Stephen Findlay (Jeannette), Adam Findlay, Alexandra Easter (Nat Carpentier), Charlie Easter, Shane Bellini (Stephanie), Shana Boudreau (John Paul) and Jaren Bellini (Katie). Great grandma to Liam & Lauren Findlay, Stella & Juno Carpentier-Easter, Leo and Nico Bellini, Madden and Auggi Boudreau.
Norma was simply an unforgettable person… Anyone who had the good fortune to meet or to simply cross paths with her would inevitably comment on her plethora of qualities, from the positive energy she exuded, her smile, her hats and her style to remembering the sound of her infectious laugh and constant good humour.
A marvellous cook and baker (she could bake a fruit pie from scratch in under 5 minutes and timed herself …:) a lover of all music but most especially her beloved opera! She travelled the world in search of live performances.. of which she saw many. Well before Beyoncé she discovered the delights of real country music with her husband Tony and travelled to Nashville, the home of country music, to find out more about it.
Closer to home, Norma contributed substantially to the local community being the first and only female (and very successful) advertising salesperson at the Sault Daily Star. Much, much later in life she actually delivered that same paper with her own neighbourhood paper round…..tramping through low temperatures and snow with a sled in order to socialise with her neighbours and to keep fit.
Norma was also extremely active in the Soo Italian communities as a member and eventual Chair of the local chapter of the Fogolar Furlan (initially founded as a place for immigrants to come together, share food and stories from Friuli, play cards and have a sense of belonging in their newly adopted homeland). As Chair she represented the Soo Friulani community and travelled south to Toronto, Windsor and other similar clubs to form even broader connections to the benefit of her club in the Soo.
Norma was also recognised for 10 dedicated years of singing in the equivalent Calabrese club choir. She prided herself on learning to speak Calabrese, that very particular dialect of our father’s southern roots and it created a singular bond between them. These Italian clubs and their events allowed Norma to pursue her passion for travel as well as singing and she was always to be found at the centre of a large group of her cohorts belting out familiar and soothing music from the “old country”
Many will remember Norma as the owner/ founder of Brides Gallery on Gore and later, a second branch in Sault Michigan. A proper business woman in her own right!
Norma was literally unstoppable…..and stellar in her thirst for life and all the wonderful experiences it might provide a woman who was frankly, ahead of her time in so many ways.
Her star may have gone out on this earth but we all know what a real life STAR we were honoured to call our mother. Indeed, she was One of a Kind.
In closing, our sincere gratitude and utmost respect to the "angels" at The FJ Davey home Cedar 2, for the exceptional care given to our dear Norma.
A private family service was held on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. East, 705-759-2522). Rev. Hamish Currie officiated. She was laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations (payable by cheque or online) to the F. J. Davey Home will be much appreciated by the family. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the family.