Norma INNES

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INNES: It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Norma Lorraine Innes on December 3, 2012 at the Killarney Hospital, surrounded by her family. She was the beloved wife to Jack and loving mother to Phillip, Jodie and Julie. Norma was born September 5, 1941 in the town of Deloraine, the youngest of two children to Lillian and Robert Sambrook. Norma’s childhood was spent in and around Medora with a majority on the family farm two miles east of town. Norma’s love of animals was evident with the cat scratches that covered her arms. This love of animals would continue all through her life. She belonged to many groups, such as CGIT, 4-H and the junior choir, always surrounded by many cousins and friends. Norma’s first school years were spent at Sherwood and Medora schools and finishing at Deloraine collegiate. After graduation from high school, she attended St. Michaels Academy in Brandon. Following her graduation from St. Michaels in 1962, Norma worked with the Brandon City Police Department, becoming the first female stenographer.   Norma and Jack were married October 5, 1963. Following the birth of their first two children Phillip and Jodie, the family moved to a home on Ashgrove Boulevard.  In 1977, the family moved to Melita. After the arrival of their youngest daughter, Julie, Norma worked at the Melita branch of the Virden Credit Union. In 1983, Mom and Dad purchased a business and moved to the Village of Waskada. Again, Mom was involved with various groups, including the church women’s group and Evening Circle in addition to helping run their business, Innes' Garage.  Camping was a big part of life in the summer months, travelling around Manitoba, northern Ontario and Saskatchewan and out west. Winter months were a time for snowmobiling and hotdog roasts in the country. Saturday nights were spent watching Hockey Night in Canada with popcorn made on the stove. Many wonderful times were spent in and around the family cabin on Sharpe Lake. Norma always encouraged her children to appreciate the beauty of nature and wildlife, especially birds. Whatever time of year, her children’s friends were always welcome. One comment her kids would invariably hear was what a nice and kind lady she was. Her gentle nature was accompanied by a mischievous and cheerful side that would regularly appear on April fool’s day. The connection with Aunts and Uncles and cousins was very important for Norma. She always looked forward to family gatherings and reunions and any chance to talk with family or friends about news or happenings on both Norma and Jack’s side of the family. Holidays, especially Christmas, were always a chance to catch up with family and friends. Norma’s first grandchildren, Kyla, Kellie and Maisie Rose brought out Mom’s fun side and made her so proud over the years seeing the girl’s accomplishments. More recently, she was again blessed with the arrival of two grandsons, Braden and Ryan. At the same time three great-granddaughters, Emerson, Cora and Meggie, gave Norma much to talk about. Just a mention of any of their names would put a smile on her face and cause her to laugh about something they had done. They all gave lots of hugs and kisses to brighten her day. Phillip, Jodie and Julie will remember their Mom as the person they looked up to their whole life. Their Mom taught them many lessons and skills, the most important one, how to be a loving person. She was not only a mother, but also a friend. They can see many of their Mom’s loving attributes in her five grandchildren and threegreat granddaughters. They are thankful for the time they each had with their Grandma and Great Grandma.  For the last part of her life Norma struggled with the affects of COPD.  Mom moved to Bayside in 2008. In Killarney she was well liked by the staff and fellow residents. All through this her family and friends were always the first thing on her mind. She never complained and was always more concerned about the well-being of her family and friends. Norma was very fortunate to have many people who always had time to spend with her. Norma's smile and loving gentle way will be missed by all who knew and loved her. “If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together... Promise me you’ll always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart... I'll always be with you.” - A. A. Milne Norma was predeceased by her parents Bert and Lillian Sambrook, Jack's parents Orval and Marjorie Innes and her Grandson Billie Millard. Norma is survived by her loving husband Jack; children Phillip, Jodie (Bill) Millard and Julie (Steve) Sample. Also left to mourn are: grandchildren, Kyla (Adam) Urquhart, Kellie Millard, Maisie Rose Millard (MacKenzie Hole) Braden Sample and Ryan Sample; and great-grandchildren Emerson, Coraline and Margeret Urquhart. She is also survived by her brother Murray Sambrook and wife Edith; plus many cousins, nieces and nephews and members of Jack‘s family.   A private internment was held Friday December 7, 2012 at the Medora Cemetary followed by a memorial service at the Waskada United Church, with Reverend Heather Sandilands officiating. All in attendance were considered honourary pallbearers. A time of fellowship and refreshments was held at the Lions Hall following the service to celebrate Norma‘s life. Donations in memory of Norma may be made to the Tri-Lake Health Centre Palliative Care Fund: Box 5000, Killarney, MB, R0K 1G0 or to the Medora Cemetery Fund. Funeral Arrangements were made by Smith Funeral Home.

As published in Brandon Sun on Dec 22, 2012