NORMA E. WALMSLEY O.C. RCAF

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NORMA E. WALMSLEY O.C. RCAF (Women's Division) In her 91st year, peacefully in hospital at Wakefield, Quebec. Survived by her sister Dorothy (the late Sidney Walmsley) of Portage la Prairie, Joan Garnett, her partner of 54 years, and by 20 nieces and nephews and their children who have been the pride and joy of her life including locally Robert Ireland (Sean, Michael) of Winnipeg; Donald Walmsley (Michele), Jeremy and Rebecca-Jayne of Neepawa; Robin Walmsley (Val), Kelly, Cheryl and Michael of Winnipeg; Kerry Leigh (Matthew); Rene Foubert (Karen) Heather and Justin of Whitemouth; Michelle Alfa (Atta), Ismaila and Aisha of Winnipeg; Lisa Minshull (Gary) of Brandon and great-niece Debbie Banman of Elm Creek. Predeceased by one brother Edwin, three sisters Ruth Ireland, Betty Foubert and Marie Foubert and niece Gail Aune. Her grandfather's example imbued her with the drive to serve: Norma was the 74th woman to join the RCAF Women's Division in 1941 where she became Senior Officer in Charge of Women's Division Supplies for Canada and Overseas. Following graduation from McGill she was Professor of Political Science at Brandon College, Manitoba (1955 to 1967). In Ottawa and Wakefield since then, she devoted her life to local, national and international causes: published studies, including Canadian Universities and International Development (AUCC and CIDA); non-governmental organizations dedicated to international understanding (too numerous to name but listed in CANADIAN WHO'S WHO), notably Founder of MATCH International Centre; and a tireless leader in the successful reconstruction of the Wakefield Covered Bridge that had burned in 1984. Officer of the Order of Canada, LLD Brandon University and Carleton University, recipient of many other honours. including the Governor General's Persons Award, Queen Elizabeth Silver and Gold Jubilee Medals; and honourary life member of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. Funeral service will be held at the Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd, 693 Riverside Rd., Wakefield on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 11, 2011