NORINE (SMITH) KELLET

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NORINE (SMITH) KELLET On August 31, 2004, Norine died peacefully in her bed at Nanaimo Travellers Lodge. Her daughter Wendy Kellet, son-in-law Wesley Pascoe, and grandson Wilson Pascoe were by her side. Norine is survived by her sisters, Gladys Lane and Joyce Frame; sister Joan Thompson and husband Jack; brother Crom Smith and wife Wilma; brother Barry Smith and wife Belle; nieces and nephews, Frank Lane, Jannis Rogers, Lesley Fenton, Tom Thompson, Glen Smith, Denise Smith, Don Smith, Debbie Graham, Donna Montminy, and their families. Norine was predeceased by her parents, Howard and Reita Smith; and by her brother Bert Smith who died in the Second World War. Isla Norine Smith was born May 20, 1918 in MacDonald, MB. She spent her youth in many towns across Manitoba where her father was engaged as United Church minister. In Winnipeg, she attended Daniel McIntyre Collegiate and Wesley College where she was a star on both the stage and the basketball court. Upon graduation, Norine began her teaching career which spanned four decades in a variety of Manitoba schools beginning in the towns of Purves and Killarney and concluding in General Wolf and R.B. Russell schools in Winnipeg. Norine was an excellent teacher of secondary English, French, art, P.E., and her great passion: writing and grammar. At age 62, Norine retired from teaching and enjoyed many years of active community involvement. She loved to travel, cross-country ski, sing, dance, and take photographs well into her senior years. Norine was an enthusiastic member of ITC and won many awards at speech contests locally and around the world. Her other great joy was singing in the Kirkfield Park United Church choir where she will be lovingly remembered for her costumes and performances at the annual church supper and variety show. Sadly, in 1997, Norine began to show signs of Alzheimers. She moved to the west coast to be close to her daughter and family. Norines abilities seriously declined over the past few years, but she will be remembered for her many professional and creative accomplishments and her zest for life at its fullest. A memorial service for Norine will be held at the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Nanaimo on Saturday, September 11.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 02, 2004