Born in Indian Head, Saskatchewan, Noreen led a small town happy life being raised by Sam and Edna Stewart with her brothers Douglas and Edward. She enjoyed growing up during the 1930s and graduated high school before attending Regina Business School. She married and Deborah was born soon after in Regina, then moving to Vancouver where Daryl was born. She was involved with the Victoria Junior Chamber of Commerce for many years where she met many lifelong friends.
While growing up modestly in her hometown, she was fortunate to have travelled extensively to Australia, Fiji, Hawaii, Spain, Morocco, Western Canada and the NW States. She had the opportunity to ride a camel, an elephant and rode her own motorcycle. She was an avid golfer with not a low score but certainly held with high esteem from her golf partners.
Always a positive and happy person, she enjoyed many friends from all walks of life. Her favourite things to do were to walk Sophie, the family dog, at the Esquimalt Lagoon, doing crafts and eating hot dogs. She was a long time member at the Juan de Fuca Senior’s Centre where she worked on and taught crafts.
She felt fortunate to have her children close to her for all her life but had a huge heart for all. Once a month, she would say to others … “it’s a full moon, you should be holding hands and gazing at it.”
She is survived by her daughter Deborah (Mark Stitt), son Daryl (Donna), great-nephew Clayton and was predeceased by her long-time companion and soul mate, Bob Hagel.
Noreen will be lovingly remembered and fondly missed. RIP Noreen. You enjoyed a great life.
There will be a Celebration of Life in the New Year at a date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers or cards, please consider a donation to the BC Cancer Society.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Kathryn Curry (Robert)
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Cathy Waters (Richardson) I was so sorry to hear of Noreen’s passing. She was my mentor and friend when I first started at BC Systems in 1978. I still remember her laugh and have thought of her fondly over the years. Your family was blessed to have such a wonderful lady in your lives. She will be truly missed.
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chris taylor Hi Deb. Chris(tine) Taylor here. Please forgive this rather impersonal way of being in touch but I don’t seem to have a current email address for you, nor a mailing address.
I wanted to express my condolences on the death of your Mother. I always remember her, from our school days, as a very welcoming presence – it was always fun to be at your house.
My thoughts are with you and Daryl at this time. May your many years of memories sustain you in your sadness.
in sympathy, Chris
To Deborah, Daryl and family,
I was saddened to hear of your loss. Please know how very sorry I am. Noreen was so kind to me in my late teens. She offered me a job at Standard furniture in the office in which she managed, she showed me how to alter and sew a Halloween costume and aways made you feel welcome and part of the family. She was a wonderful, special lady. May happy memories carry you through this sorrowful time.
Kathy