Noreen passed away peacefully in her sleep after a brief battle with cancer.
A loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, Noreen led a busy and fulfilling life. Very much a visionary, while remaining a home-maker she was able to pursue her creative talents by transforming many of the various homes she lived in. Even before contracts were signed, she would sit working diligently on designs to improve rooms and spaces, not forgetting the gardens too. Everything received this love, care and creative energy. She and Malcolm would then work together on each project – both bringing their own skills to ensure an enhanced and happy family home. More light; better use of space; a new garden pond (many over the years!); a new bed or shrubbery; more trees; more colour…
Her practical spirit and vivid imagination were ever-present across other areas too – showing foresight and care, always looking ahead so as to highlight possible pitfalls or opportunities. Conscientious and thorough – anxious that whatever she did, she did it properly and saw it through.
She was justifiably proud of having smoothly managed as many as 12 house moves across her 65 years of marriage to Malcolm. Starting off small in a tiny flat above their grocery shop, fretting over post-war daily changes to the price of eggs, her final move was across to Canada at the robust age of 76, taking a great leap into the unknown but finding a special place in her new home country. She fully appreciated how lucky she was to have found somewhere where she and Malcolm could live out their final years in peace, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and restful vistas, in a warm-hearted and safe community with their children nearby.
Her humour – sometimes challenged by the various health issues which she bravely dealt with – was ever-present. Not forgetting the
occasional full flood of giggles. She had a deep heart and soaring, often inspirational, spirit.
Another area she thrived in was as a caring hostess, holding many family gatherings across the years. Always alert to tiny details and care with presentation, without forgetting the need to ensure that there was plenty of well-prepared food and a warm, welcoming, fun atmosphere for guests both young and old.
Back in the day her picnics were something to behold too. There would be a wind shield and a sturdy picnic table, to take the weight of the china plates and proper cutlery, alongside various sandwiches and cakes; tea in its pot (leaves, not bags)…
Sometimes things went awry. The herd of cows which suddenly appeared over a ridge and edged ever closer and closer… The wind that unexpectedly blew up, scuppering the wind shield and tossing the serviettes…. The time the sardine sandwiches (carefully made and frozen ahead of a big day out) hadn’t de-frosted when we needed to eat them… But always, always, associated laughter and giggles – at the time, and then again long afterwards, whenever recalled.
Noreen will be dearly missed by her beloved husband Malcolm; her daughter, Sheila; her son Ian, wife Marina and grandson Maxim; as well as brothers and sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews back in the UK.
Heartfelt thanks to all the medical staff who cared for her during her final few weeks, especially the Doctors and all the nurses and volunteers in the Palliative Care Unit at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital.
Tributes, if desired, may be made to a local cancer society.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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