We Remember

NORMAN, Margaret “Margo”

March 5, 1927 — January 11, 2023

With broken hearts, Margaret’s family announces her peaceful passing at the age of 95, in Kelowna, BC, at The Vineyards Residence facility, on January 11, 2023.

Margaret, a proud British Columbia resident, led an extraordinary life, pioneering in 1949 with her late husband, Vern, on the isolated rugged west coast in the Ucluelet and Tofino area.  She initially ran a household lit with coal oil lamps and with no running water or electricity until such time that Vern and his electrical crew finished hooking up the first power lines in the community.  In 1954, the family moved on to Merritt in the Nicola Valley, where she provided loving support to her growing family while Vern managed that region’s expanding power district.  The summer of 1961 marked the beginning of a more idyllic life in Westbank where Vern was assigned to the Okanagan Valley district as Manager.  Their Westbank home was surrounded by a cherry and plum orchard in a glorious setting overlooking Okanagan Lake.  In her Brown Road kitchen, she rolled the flakiest pastry into memorable pies from the bountiful fruits of the region.

We are so grateful to Mom for instilling in us a love of nature and gardening; for her creativeness, including her framed botanical art which now hangs on the walls of our homes; and for her amazing leadership as she volunteered her time and fund-raising to organizations including the United Church.  While raising her children, she found opportunities throughout her life to expand her knowledge, gaining public speaking skills at a Dale Carnegie series, and earning a Pre-School Teacher Training Certificate.  When Vern retired from Hydro, sons Bob and Les joined forces with Mom and Dad to start up Norman Tile and Marble.  She became part of their sales team and enjoyed the opportunity of working with customers who came into their Kelowna shop for tile.  

She will be hugely missed by her children, Dot, Joan, Bob (Lynda), and Barbara; her grandchildren, Graham (Mizuho), Christa, Deanna, Conor, Bryn, and Annabelle; as well as by great-grandchildren, Violet, William, Benjamin, Angus, and Aubrielle. Additionally, her journey has included Lynda’s family: Lynsie (Nik), Ashley (Troy), Bradley (Nathalie) and their children.  Supportive friendships include Lorri Jones, Pat Evans, Margaret Jackson, and Mom’s two very caring caregivers, Toni and Carol.  Husband, Vern, predeceased her in 2005 and son, Leslie, in 2014.

The family is very thankful for the support provided by staff at The Vineyards Residence where she recently moved, as well as her many friends and staff at Hawthorn Retirement.  Arrangements are being handled by Springfield Funeral Home.   A private family service is planned for later this year.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation in her honour to Parkinson Canada, or a charity of your choice.  

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