NORA MAY FERRIS (O'FLANAGAN)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

NORA MAY FERRIS (nee O'FLANAGAN) Nora May O'Flanagan Ferris passed into the arms of the Lord peacefully Tuesday morning, May 26, 2009 at the Riverview Health Centre in Winnipeg. Nora was predeceased by her parents, Margaret and Thomas O'Flanagan, and brothers, Thomas and Michael. Left to mourn are children, Maureen McJannet of Winnipeg; Sharon (Guy) Poncelet of Saskatoon; Kevin (Robbi) Ferris of Winnipeg; and Erin (Mike) Kroeker of Saskatoon; their father, Robert Ferris; grandchildren, Laura and Kelly McJannet; Shauna (Chris) Morris; Tom Ross (Blair Storey); Stephanie Ross (David Hynh); Katie Ross; Colin Poncelet; Nolan and Caitlin Ferris; Ryan, Leslie-Ann (Cory Schlosser) and Clayton Kroeker; and great-grandchildren, Kennedy Morris and Perry and Liam Poncelet; sisters, Rosemaire Pinkman (Frank Maguire) of Calgary, Sister Mary Paula (Carmelite Monastery), Armstrong; sister-in-law Enid O'Flanagan of Melfort; numerous nieces and nephews, and many wonderful friends who were very dear to her. Mel will miss his sports chats with Miss Nora. Nora was born in the Melfort area of Saskatchewan and grew up in the Lund and Clapton school districts and later Sunset Farm, north of Melfort. She was the eldest daughter of a family of four children and raised in an environment of love - the love of family, the love of learning and the love of God. In her youth she was a fine athlete and played many sports, including baseball and hockey. She attended High School at Sion in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and in 1939, following in her father's footsteps, she graduated from Regina Normal School and began a teaching career that would span almost 50 years. She taught in many communities in Saskatchewan from Meadow Lake to Winter, and Tagaski to Lake Lenore - often the only teacher in a one room school with 10 grades. She had a strong interest in her Irish heritage and in 1949 she travelled to Ireland with her sister Rosemaire to meet the relatives her father had talked about all her life. She met Robert Ferris while she was teaching in Erwood, SK and they married in 1952. Being the wife of a railway man she gave up teaching to raise her four young children while they lived in The Pas and Neepawa, Manitoba. When they settled in Winnipeg in 1960 she became a substitute teacher in the Windsor Park area of the city. What she thought would be a casual position became a career that lasted 28 years. She was always in demand as she was a skilled conscientious teacher whom students, teachers and principals alike appreciated seeing in the classroom. Family, friends and community were always important to her. Nora raised her family to believe in the importance of education, faith and each other; was dedicated to and so enjoyed her friends; and supported her community through action and prayer. Nora loved gardening. An influence from her rural background, she always had a large garden and fresh food for her family. In later years she loved spending time with her flowers and shrubs, keeping her big yard looking beautiful well into her 80's. Nora's grandchildren were a blessing to her. She cared for them often when they were young and loved following their activities and adventures, encouraging them to strive for the best. Nora considered herself truly blessed to be able to see her great-grandchildren born. Nora had a strong faith that helped her prepare for this journey and she left this world with no fear of the end. The family would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation for the compassionate care Mom received during her stay at Riverview Health Centre. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 29 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Coutu Funeral Home, 680 Archibald Street. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 30, at 1:00 p.m. in St. Bernadette Parish, 820 Cottonwood Road. Interment will follow in the St. Boniface Cemetery. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E. J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald St. 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 29, 2009