NORMA BUSBY (INGIMUNDSON)

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NORMA BUSBY (INGIMUNDSON) Surrounded by her loving family and friends, Norma left this world at sunset on April 8, 2008. When she developed an aneurysm a few years ago, she said that God had given her a gift: her passing would be quick. His grace filled her life and she had no fear of death. Left to cherish her memory are her seven children: Jim (Angie), Rob (Elenore), Karen (Lisa Shaw), Susan, Bruce, Dawn (Steve Venner) and Tracey (John Lindsay); her beloved grandchildren: Kris and Matt, Julie, Rachel and Becky, Joey, Jessie and Scott, and Sul and Rosie; her sisters, Helen Ullyot (Don) and Inez; Aunties, Marg and Pearl; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, best friends, Vivian, Anita, Lavinia, Joyce and Rita and, of course, her granddogs. She was predeceased by her parents, Lawrence and Jakobina (Breckman). Norma loved adventure and no matter what challenges were thrown into her path she met them with calmness and fortitude. She was born in Lundar, Manitoba on February 25, 1930 and she loved to talk about her life as the daughter of a country butcher. As keeper of family history, she was proud of her Icelandic heritage. Inspired by her Auntie Marg, she trained to be a nurse, and in this work she found a deep calling. Until her last days, she cared for others, physically, emotionally and spiritually. After nursing graduation, Norma moved to Whitehorse where she began her career journey. Following her Yukon adventure, she worked in Edmonton and Winnipeg with the federal government working in Aboriginal and Northern Health and in Occupational Health. In 1978, after a year of difficult negotiations, she led a national federal nurses' strike and the outcome was very significant salary increases and other benefits for nurses. In the 1980s, she was instrumental in developing national guidelines for occupational health nursing certification and she initiated the Nurses-at-Risk program, the first of its kind in Canada. In 1992 Norma was awarded the Confederation Medal. As a girl, Norma said that she wanted 20 children but she settled for seven. She was the most extraordinary mother: always ready with a smile, wise words and excellent food; working nights so that she could be home during the day with her children; and present at endless sporting and performing events. She worked in pediatrics in order to remember that boisterous children were a blessing. The household was busy, but filled with love and joy. She embraced her children's partners as if they were her own. She cherished her grandchildren, who are now four to 26 years of age. Norma wrote Go Where There is No Path: My Story which she published in January as her final gift to her grandchildren. We are thankful for this work. Norma enjoyed a long retirement filled with travel, bridge, gardening, reading, and working at her church and with the Federal Superannuate National Association (FSNA). She was very active in the Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute (DMCI) Alumni Association and, having been actively involved in planning DMCI's 85th Anniversary later this month, she will be sorry to miss the party. First Lutheran Church was Norma's second home. She was on various committees and on council. In 1977, she served as the first woman president. Norma provided wise but forthright counsel in these roles and her voice was always respected even in a time when women were discouraged from taking leadership roles at church. A celebration of Norma's life will be held at First Lutheran Church at Victor near Sargent at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 11 with a luncheon to follow at the church. The family would like to thank Dr Colin Fletcher, as well as the staff of St. Boniface Hospital emergency and 6th floor medicine for their compassionate care of Norma. Instead of flowers, donations to either First Lutheran Church (580 Victor, Winnipeg, MB R3G 1R2) or the DMCI AACE Fund, Inc. (Box 2475, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4A7) would honour her life and work. Condolences can be sent to normabusbycondolences@yahoo.com (password: mother). She led with a giant heart that was controlled by an amazing mind. She taught us that we all must find our own peaks and she had given us the means. BB

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 10, 2008