NORMA JUNE BRANDT

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NORMA JUNE BRANDT With deep sadness the family announces the passing of Norma June Brandt, aged 72 years, of Portage la Prairie, Man., on Saturday, August 26, 2000, at the Portage District General Hospital. She leaves to cherish her loving memory her son Clifford and daughter-in-law Lois (Jo) Hinsche with grandchildren, Garrett and Ben of 141 Mile House, B.C.; daughter Gail and son-in-law Douglas Popiel of Anola, Man., with grandchildren, Jack of Edmonton, Alta., John-Andrew, Amber and Matthew, all of Anola. Norma also leaves two sisters, Lois Langstaff of Langley, B.C., and Fluella Gilgan and husband Pat of Chilliwack, B.C.; numerous nieces and nephews in British Columbia; very close and dear friends, Linda and Steve Todd with their family, Chris, Justin and Jenny, of Portage, Alice Sissons and Brian McCullough, both also of Portage la Prairie. An unfulfilled wish Norma had was to locate and be reunited with two other daughters who were adopted in Manitoba. She was predeceased by her parents Ervin and Delta (Ila) (nee Chase) Brandt and by one brother Jules in 1996. Norma was born May 21, 1928, at Elfros, Sask., and raised at McBride, B.C. As a young adult, Norma joined a group of traveling Gypsies, later joining the Royal American Circus, traveling throughout Canada and United States, where she served as a torchbearer as the circus arrived in town, along with other duties associated with the circus. In 1954 Norma settled in Winnipeg where she lived until moving to live at the Manitoba School at Portage in 1956. She later lived alone until taking up residence with Steve and Linda Todd where she resided until 1998, then moving to the Douglas Campbell Lodge. Norma was employed at Arc Industries in Portage la Prairie where she truly expressed her creativity and talents while knitting and doing embroidery, retiring at age 65. Many people in Portage were blessed to have a pair of knit slippers handcrafted by Norma. She will be remembered for her enjoyment in the company of children, camping, listening to music, especially watching the Don Messer Hour on television, and for her great sense of humour. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Barrier, B.C., followed by interment in the family plot at the Barrier Cemetery, Barrier. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Normas memory to the Memorial Fund at the Douglas Campbell Lodge, in care of the Portage District General Hospital Foundation, 524 Fifth St. S.E., Portage la Prairie, Man., R1N 3A8. The family wishes to thank Linda and Steve Todd and family, the staff at Douglas Campbell Lodge, Dr. Heddon and staff at Portage General Hospital for the many years of compassion and caring. Also special thanks to Laura Wilson for reuniting Norma with her daughter Gail three and a half years ago. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Norma at Evergreen Memorial Gardens by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are entrusted with the arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 28, 2000