NORMA LILLIAN HREHORAK

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NORMA LILLIAN HREHORAK August 4, 1923 - August 19, 2010 With family at her side, Norma peacefully passed away on August 19 at the Grace Hospice in Winnipeg. Left to cherish many wonderful memories are her three children, Gary (Carole), Paula (Bob) and Michael (Sherri) her grand-children, Bryce, Kyle, Krysta, Garrett, Shawn and Evan, her sisters Gladys (Ron) and Joyce, along with many other family members and dear friends. Norma was predeceased by her beloved husband Paul of 62 years, and her sister Pauline. Norma would tell you that her story began in 1942 while she was waiting in line at MacDonald Brothers to get her Rosie the Riveter time card punched. A strikingly handsome young man asked her to attend the circus with him, and that's all it took. Paul and Norma were married in 1944 and had been together ever since. Norma soon stayed at home to raise their three children, and was actively involved with their schools and enjoyed the company of close friends, hosting many memorable parties. Norma was very passionate about bowling and joined the Bristol Aerospace and Glenwood leagues. She held the title of Treasurer, Secretary and even President throughout her many years of bowling. Glenwood Ladies Friday league held a special place in her heart, as her daughter and two sisters-in-law were also in the same league. When her grandkids had the day off of school, Norma would bring them bowling with her. A lot of her greatest friends were also part of this league and they had many wonderful, and fun banquets. In 1985, Paul built them a cottage in Ponemah, where they would spend almost six months out of the year there. Norma quickly made numerous great friends and found all the places to play bingo at. Over the next 25 years, that cottage would be home to many birthday parties and family get-togethers. Norma couldn't wait to get the cottage opened every year, and looked forward to her birthday weekend which usually fell around the Iceland Festival in Gimli. Norma always got up early to place her folding chair out in front of the Old Hotel to hold her spot for the parade! As the years went by, if Norma wasn't bowling or playing bingo, she was putting puzzles together, solving cryptograms and crosswords, playing card games or reading books. Norma loved spending time with her family, especially her grandkids. She always enjoyed having family dinners at her house for the holidays, making her signature dishes which always included her famous vinatarta and matrimonial cake. Norma will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She was an amazingly strong woman. She was the greatest wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend and a very special grandmother. Norma's family cannot express enough gratitude for the wonderful and gracious care that the staff of the Grace Hospice provided. A Celebration of Norma's life will be held graveside at Chapel Lawn, 4000 Portage Avenue on Thursday, September 2, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. Family and friends wishing to attend are asked to meet in the lobby of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, Norma wished that donations could be made to the Rainbow Society.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 28, 2010