March 14, 1927 – February 14, 2010
Passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospice after a feisty 3-year battle with lymphoma. Her positive, determined attitude helped her confound medical prognostications once again and, after fighting the good fight, she left us on her own terms.
Predeceased by newborn daughter in 1966 and husband Jim in 1995. Survived by son James, daughter Margaret (Lloyd), son Gordon (Ronda) and grandchildren Megan and Shaun.
Norma was born in Winnipeg to Ralph and Irene Greene, and grew up in Stony Mountain. She knew from a young age that she would be a nurse and in 1948 graduated from Winnipeg’s St. Boniface School of Nursing. Hospitalized with TB in 1949, Norma survived it as well as the mass hospital evacuation to Saskatchewan during the 1950 Winnipeg flood.
Norma met James Bell in Flin Flon while working as an ER nurse and they married in 1954. In 1967 Jim, Norma and their three kids relocated to Winnipeg. After several years nursing, she moved to epidemiology at the Manitoba Cancer Clinic. She enjoyed her work and colleagues but soon found her niche as Patient Care Coordinator, Northern Medical Unit, where she assisted Inuit patients and their families receiving health care or treatments in their remote communities and in Winnipeg. In spite of language gaps, her empathy and warmth made their experience less daunting.
Jim and Norma lived in Kenora for a few years post-retirement, then followed their kids to Vancouver Island, setting up residence in Parksville. Jim died suddenly in 1995 and Norma soon moved to Victoria.
Although Norma lived an average lifespan, she was above average in her ability to enjoy life and friends, while accepting with a smile any troubles life brought her way. Norma was Mom to many more than her three kids and loved to prove that hugs are the true wonder drug. She treasured the lifelong connections and the many reunions with her St. Boniface nursing classmates.
Volunteering was an important part of her life beginning with knitting in 1941 for the war effort. As an adult she was a member of the Flin Flon Kinettes and Winnipeg Kinettes, volunteered at Parksville Society of Services, and then at Fairfield Seniors Centre in Victoria. She loved to read, listen to music, garden, bake and cook, embroider and sew, and had a good eye for art and design. She faced life honestly, with integrity, and believed in being responsible for one’s actions. She viewed us all with anticipation that we’d do our best but loved us anyways when we showed our foibles and quirks.
Service at McCall Bros Floral Chapel, Johnson & Vancouver St, Victoria, on Thursday, February 18 at 11:00 am.
Norma and Jim’s ashes will be scattered together near their favourite Vancouver Island walking trail. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations, if desired, to Our Place Society or to Victoria Hospice Foundation.
Fare thee well, Normie. Your love, generosity and indomitable spirit touched many and we shall cherish our memories of you.
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BOB LAIDLAW
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Salin Guttormsson Jim, Maggie and Gord
I was saddened to read of your Mom’s passing. We have fond memories of those duck pond skating nights and somewhat recently, I came across a number of these photos, along with quite the collection of your Dad and mine in their youthful Flin Flon days.
Take good care,
Salín
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Carol Mackay Maggie & Lloyd,
I was very sad to hear about your Mother’s passing.
For me I will always remember Norma for the love that she demonstrated, the honesty that she lived by and the true compassion she felt for others.
My thoughts are with you and all of your family as you journey on with the void I know is now presant in the days ahead from here.
God Bless,
Carol Mackay
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Cheryl McBean (nee Dawson) As far as I can remember “The Bell’s” have been in my life. Norma and Jim were close friends of my parents, Jean and Doug Dawson, after they met in Flin Flon. I still have my parent pictures, really old black and white ones! of playing with young Jim and through the years always lots of pictures of Norma and Jim and my parents, laughing and visiting, on their holidays together, at my wedding and Norma’s solid and reassuring presence at my mother’s funeral. My last visit with Norma and of course Lloyd and Maggie, was in June 2009. Norma and I were out and about every day, and when Norma was resting I went for long walks on “the Goose” trail. One day Norma and I went together on “the Goose” to go shopping at the mall. Norma was on her scooter and I walked beside her as we made our way there. On one part of the trail we had to go over a wooden bridge and it had bumps on it, I presume to slow down the bikers. So Norma just stood up on her scooter and went over the bumps, with me jogging beside her trying to keep up. It was absolutely hysterical, she never stopped talking the whole time, her voice wobbling and jiggling as she went over these bumps, and me trying to keep up with her and trying not to laugh. What a wonderful visit!! I will miss you Norma, especially our phone conversations and all your love and support.
Love, Cheryl
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Samantha Mozley I had the great pleasure and privilege of knowing Norma while she was a resident at Rose Manor. My staff and I were sad to see her leave but know that she was happy in her move to the “granny flat” at Maggie and Lloyd’s home. Norma was a classy, courageous lady, a true care-giver to the end. We did keep in touch after she left Rose Manor and I continued to enjoy her company during various lunch outings. I wish to offer condolences on behalf of all the staff and residents of Rose Manor who were lucky enough to know her. Please take comfort in all the wonderful memories you have and all that was “Normie”.
Love and healing, Samantha
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Shirley Rafnkelsson Hi Maggie, My condolences on the loss of your Mom. I have great childhood memories of your Mom when you lived down the street from me. I lost my Mom just before Christmas so have some idea of how hard it is. I couldn’t resist sending a message after all of these years. Take good care, Shirley Rafnkelsson
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Peter Harrison Dear Gordie (Gordon), Margaret & Jim ( James),
My brother John just emailed me as he just read your mom’s Obituary.
The first thing that came to my mind was the time my mom sent me over to your house because I had got something in my eye. Your mom got it out. I bet I was 7 years old.
The next thing I remembered was the ball going into Mrs. Gray’s yard and your dad coercing her to give the ball back so we could keep playing.
I remember the summer nights in your back yard screened in fireplace with all sorts of treats from your mom. I could always stay over later at your guys house otherwise my curfew was at 7:00 PM.
How about that TOGA party Gord!
Your parents were both fantastic.
I offer up my condolences from my brothers, wife, children and myself.
I will be sure to look all of you up when I am on the island again.
My brother Orton’s son Jason lives in Ladysmith so I hope to visit soon.
Best regards,
Pete, Shirley, Kennedy, Hailey, Emmett, Graeme & Averi Harrison
Hi Jim,
Sorry to hear about mom and dads passing. They were great people. I always felt welcome at your home in Elmwood. My parents have passed as well. I was wondering where you and the family got to. I knew it was BC but didn’t know where. I was looking you up and came across the obituary and realized it was you, Maggie and Gordie once I saw your mother’s picture.
Sorry for your loss. It has been a lot of years since then. It would be great to hear from you.
BOB LAIDLAW