Norma Kathleen Dowland

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Norma Kathleen Dowland on August 3, 2024, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend. She was 92. Norma was born on October 13, 1931 in the front bedroom of the farmhouse in Avonlea, Saskatchewan to parents Albert "Pop" and Annie Dunn. She was the youngest of five who have now all passed on.They moved to Brandon, Manitoba after a few years and that is where her mother passed away suddenly when Norma was twelve.Norma was then raised by her father, her sister, Olive and other family members.

Norma met her husband, Vaughan William (Bill), in Brandon, when she was working at the family taxi business, Imperial Taxi, and he was working across the street.They had known of each other in High School. They married on July 3, 1954 in Brandon and honeymooned in the Dakotas.They settled into married life in Brandon where they had Sandra and Deborah. In 1960 they moved to Calgary where Shelley was born and then a few years later settled in Chilliwack. Bill travelled for thirty five years with his work so Norma was the one at home keeping the house and home running.

Throughout her life Norma always had a dog and right to the end Bella was her loyal companion. They were inseparable.

In mid life Norma worked at Hamel's Fabrics and loved it. Bill and Norma both enjoyed curling, golf and attending Carman United Church. They went to Eldercollege together and enjoyed bus trips through the seniors centre. Her other passions were sewing, quilting, gardening and P.E.O. She worked the coffee bar at the Curling Club and made many pots of soup over the years for various endeavours.

Over the years the family enjoyed camping and RVing and Norma and Bill enjoyed many years on Maui. They loved cruising and had some great trips, even celebrating one anniversary heading to Alaska. The cottage on the Sunshine Coast was a place near and dear to their hearts.

Norma missed Bill very much when he passed in October 2022 and the following year moved in with Sandra to her home in North Vancouver where she passed peacefully. Her last few years she struggled with pulmonary fibrosis and each stage it got harder and harder. She was very courageous in the face of a debilitating disease. Throughout it all she still had the best smile.

She is survived by Sandra (Michael), Deborah (John) and Shelley (Dale). Grandchildren Kris (Julianne) and Erika (Sam) and great grandchildren Remy, Jude and Madelyn. She was predeceased by her grandson, Kane.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the tearoom at Henderson's Funeral Home on November 15 at 1:00 p.m. Lunch will be served. It would be appreciated if you would let Sandra know if you are attending ([email protected])

Donations can be made to bclung.ca or peointernational.org.

Our thanks go out to Doctor Tara Fleming and her staff. In addition, the family offers our deepest gratitude to all the staff of the Vancouver Coastal Health Palliative Support Program. They were amazing.