Norah Emaline Thomas of Victoria, BC, and formerly from Edmonton, AB, passed away at the age of 86, on May 22, 2024.
Norah passed away with her hand held by a loved one and soft music playing. Norah was born on December 26, 1937, in Edmonton, AB to George Francis and Ida Maria Thomas.
Norah spent most of her life living in Edmonton. She went to Mars Hill College in North Carolina in the US after high school. After Mars Hill, Norah went to the University of Alberta, getting her Bachelor of Education and her Bachelor of Arts.
Norah spent 35 years working with the Alberta Teacher’s Association teaching in various schools in Edmonton. She taught mostly language Arts. Norah was a natural teacher, teaching her whole life long in one form or another.
After retirement, Norah was able to enjoy her beloved Honolulu, Hawaii, six months of the year. Also, during her retirement, she volunteered wherever and whenever she felt the need. Hospital emergency rooms in both Honolulu and Edmonton had her soft voice and caring ways to help soothe many people on possibly their worst day. Many organizations were fortunate to have her kindness and time as a volunteer.
Later in Norah’s retirement, she moved to beautiful Victoria, BC. She and her caring heart also volunteered in her new area.
Norah was predeceased by her parents, and older brother George Gordon. Norah is survived by her siblings Hugh (Mary), John (Rosemary), sister-in-law Joyce, and a sister, children Diane Molzan (Mike), and Herb Molzan Jr., granddaughters Elizabeth and Catherine Linn, and great grandsons Crewe and Jack.
As per her Norah’s wishes, there will be no service. Please take the opportunity to read to someone who would enjoy your time and a good story.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Meagan Megathan
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Delsie Thachuk I met Norah through our involvement with the Alberta Teachers Association.
We became friends and shared many summers at the Banff School of Fine Arts while attending the ATA Summer Conference.
We enjoyed many laughs and walks and discussions .
After her move to Victoria, we shared phone calls and she talked about her new friends and new life.
Norah my friend, I will miss you!
Sincere condolences to the family.
Delsie Thachuk
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Lesley Wood I was sorry to read of Norah’s death, and send my sympathy to her family.
I knew Norah through Agemates, a discussion group for older women, held at the Monterey Centre. She facilitated the discussions for many years. It was a challenging role, which she carried out well.
I remember her saying she had a different volunteer job every day of the week.
Her gentle voice and willingness to help others will be missed!
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Dave Helm I first met Norah about 9 years ago when she stopped to chat while walking by my house in James Bay. We soon discovered we both had an Edmonton heritage and we had many enjoyable reminisces. She was an interesting, kind, positive person and she will be missed. Heartfelt condolences to her family.
My dear, sweet Auntie Norah – you were my chosen family. You were there for me when the world turned its back and abandoned me. Like you did for many others – you lifted me up with you strength and your love and you challenged my mind, my heart and my spirit. Oh my dear Norah; you who brought my imagination to life with works of art, literature and music, – you who taught me how to see the world through a multiplicity of lenses; always changing, such is life. Breathing vitality into everything was your great gift to the world, and you could always see the beautiful in everything. Humble, caring, and a kind soul full of wonder and curiosity through and through.
I love you. I miss you. And may your kind soul rest in the divine peace that your life of selflessness and giving have earned.
We shall meet again Auntie.