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NORMA LOUISE TETREAU (LEWICKI) Obituary pic

NORMA LOUISE TETREAU (LEWICKI)

Date of Passing: Apr 01, 2012

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NORMA LOUISE TETREAU (nee LEWICKI) Norma passed away peacefully at age 79 in the presence of her loving husband and her daughter Louise on April 1, 2012, at North York General Hospital. She was the daughter of Daniel Lewicki and Anne (Stadnyck) of Winnipeg, Manitoba, both deceased, the sister of Eleanor Sebastian, husband Ed, the beloved aunt of Grant Sebastian, (Susan), Leslie Hardy, (Darrel), and Jonathan Sebastian, and great-aunt of Mark and David Sebastian. She and her husband Frank met 50 years ago as music students at the University of Toronto. Norma possessed a voice of rare richness and beauty. Frank was (is) a fine pianist. They made much beautiful music togetherhow many people can say that and have it be true? They were married in August of 1965, and both of them had long careers as teachers at the Royal Conservatory of Music, where Norma was one of the most respected members of the vocal faculty. Several excellent singers emerged from her studio. She was a dedicated teacher. More important she was a loving, affectionate, supportive wife and a nurturing, wise and compassionate mother. Her hearty laughter was a masterpiece of spontaneous music. Her funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Timothy's Catholic Church, 21 Leith Hill Road, on Tuesday, April 10 followed by private interment at Highland Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association and the Heart and Stroke Fund and The North York General Hospital. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us, one by one, our chain will link again.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 07, 2012

Condolences & Memories (14 entries)

  • Perhaps better late than never. I often think of Frank & Norma. Frank & I had adjoining studios ar RCM. Norma & sat on boards together. There was always a smile. Always a laugh. She brought sunshine everywhere. It was a joy knowing you both. I often think of those days of innocence. Rest in peace, my dear friend. Make heaven a happier place. Frank & Louise, she was a gem. - Posted by: Gayle Brown-Hutchins (Colleague ) on: Jan 11, 2024

  • This may come as an extremely belated testimonial, but I just became aware of Norma's passing. Because of the time lapse I realize these comments may not go anywhere, but the heart does what it must. Jan and I had an unusual relationship with Norma. Besides being parishioners 20 years or so ago we worked with Norma every 5th or 6th Sunday counting that week's collection money and then running it all over to the bank. Then over her protestations we'd drive Norma home. Those times together were always an interesting opportunity to learn something about music - and especially singing. I remember one particular day when we were driving her home and I had Roy Orbison playing on the tape deck. I asked her what she thought of him as a singer and, given his style, was a bit surprised when she said she liked him. So I asked her why and she said "Because he hits the notes. I don't care what he does with them afterwards as long as he hits the notes." I felt that in one sentence Norma explained singing to me. I also remember with joy and awe when Norma joined the congregation in the collective hymn, something she seldom did. Within seconds it seemed everyone else stopped singing to listen to Norma. She obviously still had it. Rest in peace, Norma. - Posted by: Jan & Richard Killen (Friend, co-parishioner at St. Tim's) on: Nov 07, 2021

  • Thank you Norma for teaching a rank beginner, and for letting me work on an advanced piece of music. I loved heading over on the subway to singing class with you. Peace - Posted by: Lyndsay Ferguson (student) on: Oct 07, 2015

  • ..much later, it is SO sad to learn this. Norma was a wonderful friend and musical colleague - Posted by: graham welch (friend) on: Jul 13, 2013

  • I WILL MISS YOU FOREVER, NORMA. YOU WERE THE DEAREST FRIEND I HAVE EVER HAD. OUR DAYS AT THE RCM, WERE WONDERFUL; EVEN MORE WONDERFUL WERE THESE PAST YEARS WE HAD SOCIALLY, TOGETHER. LIFE IS SOMETIMES UNBEARABLE, WITHOUT OUR WEEKLY LUNCHES, WITH YOU AND FRANK, AND FREQUENT PHONE CHATS. REST IN PEACE, MY DEAR FRIEND; I KNOW YOUR LAST FEW YEARS WERE DIFFICULT, BUT I KNOW YOU CHERISHED THESE TIMES TOGETHER. YOU WILL BE IN OUR HEARTS.....FOR AS LONG AS WE LIVE.. - Posted by: HELEN YAP (BEST FRIEND) on: Nov 15, 2012

  • Norma and I had been colleagues at RCM for quite a number of years and I enjoyed every moment we spent together, sharing ideas or simply talking about our love for music. The sound of her speaking voice always touched me by its warmth. She will be missed. - Posted by: Ginette Duplessis (Colleague) on: Apr 16, 2012

  • Norma was a wonderful teacher who shared her love of music with all her students and made us happy to sing. She will be missed. - Posted by: Abigail Aylestock (Student) on: Apr 10, 2012

  • I was always looking forward to accompany her students at the conservatory. Such a gracious and kind woman. She had wonderful ways of explaining musical concepts and I loved it. The Conservatory has suffered a great loss. - Posted by: Marie-Line Ross (accompanist for her students) on: Apr 09, 2012

  • Norma was the epitome of kindness and gentleness. She respected everybody and had always an encouraging word for whoever she met. We missed her thoroughly when she left the Conservatory of Music. I can only imagine your sorrow and how you will miss Norma's presence and joy of life. My thoughts go to you. In sadness, Elisabeth Pomès - Posted by: Elisabeth Pomès (Colleague) on: Apr 09, 2012

  • A wonderful Singer, Teacher, and dear Friend, throughout our Faculty of Music days together and in the years following. Her hearty laughter and beautiful voice will be forever in my heart. To you, Frank and Louise, Stan and I send our condolences. She will be sorely missed. - Posted by: Judith Lebane Kane (Friend) on: Apr 09, 2012

  • Norma and her husband, Frank, and daughter Louise, were members of our extended family and a part of everything that we did together. Apart from her musicality, we will remember Norma fondly for her magnanimous personality and her warmth and generosity over the 57 years we have known her. - Posted by: Val and Tim Hastings and family (Friend and In-laws) on: Apr 08, 2012

  • Norma was my first singing teacher and the greatest inspiration of my musical life. Not only was she a wonderful teacher of vocal pedagogy, but she was a woman who possessed compassion, patience and kindness. Without her guidance I would never have gone on to make a career as a professional singer. My sincere condolences to Frank and Louise. She will be greatly missed but never forgotten. - Posted by: Stacie Carmona (Student) on: Apr 07, 2012

  • May she rest in peace and my condolences to Frank and Louise - Posted by: Rae Paskaruk (cousin) on: Apr 07, 2012

  • May she rest in peace and my condolences to Frank and Louise - Posted by: Rae Paskaruk (cousin) on: Apr 07, 2012

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