NORMA LEAHY

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NORMA LEAHY

May 7, 1935 - September 24, 2023

With heavy hearts, we announce that our Mother, Grandmother, Great-grandmother, Norma Leahy (Taylor, Woodhouse (birth)), passed away in the wee hours of Sunday, September 24, 2023, at Betel Personal Care Home Selkirk. She was a remarkable woman who touched the lives of many. She was a lively and formidable woman who had an incredible sense of humour, fun, and could be mischievous, especially in the last year.

Mum was born in Blackpool, UK to Rosina and Ivey Woodhouse in 1935. Due to a variety of tragic and sad circumstances she was then adopted by Rose and Albert Taylor at six months. Mum grew up during the war and post war years, and experienced many factors of life that we don't know today. Mum was reconnected with her birth family in the UK in 2011 and was able to meet many of them.

Mum was very active in sports as she grew up, especially swimming, tennis and field hockey. She would go on to nursing school in Preston, the beginning of a long career of caring for others. While there she met her to-be husband at the Preston Royal Infirmary (UK) where they both worked.

Mum married Jerry Leahy in 1958 and they would go on to have four children. The family would move a lot during her life; Blackpool, Preston, Wimbledon, Singapore, Tidworth, Blackburn, Gällivare, Thompson, Spruce Haven Farm, Betel Home Selkirk. Spending almost 50 years in Thompson where she was a valued member of the community.

Mum was very active in many community organizations, including Girl Guides/Scouts, St John Ambulance, Red Cross, AFM, Thompson Crisis Centre founding member, YWCA, Thompson Seniors Resource Council, Thompson Community Foundation (founding member), Business and Professional Women, Chamber of Commerce, CASARA, Northern Times Newspaper, Crime Stoppers, MARN, UCN Elders Council and too many more to list. Mum was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2012 and the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award in 2015.

During her life Mum worked at Preston Royal Infirmary, Gällivare English Language School, Thompson General Hospital, Elections Canada, Skyward Air Ambulance and UCN Elders Council and others.

Mum is survived by her children, Maura (Bill), Sheila (Harry), Pat (Anna), her grandchildren, Brittany (Ryan), Jesse, Samantha, Ben (Taryn), Daniel (Sydney), Alan (Aleah), Jesse (Amanda), great-grandchildren, Sarah, Harrison, Joe and Bailey, nephew Graham (Linda), cousins, nieces and nephews, in the UK, Ireland, Australia and USA. She was predeceased by her parents, husband Jerry, youngest daughter Cathy, biological siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins along with Jerry's siblings, nephew Rory.

The family would like to thank all the people that contributed to her care during the last 13 months, Selkirk Hospital, Grace Hospital, Thompson General Hospital, Concordia Hospital, St. Boniface Hospital, EMS, Oakbank Home Care, Oakbank Adult Day Care and Betel Home Selkirk.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider a donation in her name to the Red Cross or Thompson Community Foundation at Endow Manitoba or a charity of your choice.

Services will be held - October 10 at 11:00 a.m. St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church, 114 Cree Road, Thompson, and October 15 at 11:00 a.m., Park Café Assiniboine Park – Tamarack Room, 330 Assiniboine Park Dr., Winnipeg.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 30, 2023