Nora May Fenton Praught

– Born 1939 March 17 Upper Rawdon, Hants Co NS d/o Guy Fenton 1888-1971, farmer/Lulu Casey 1896-1964.

Nora VG nursing grad 1962 A. Married 1963 May 11 St David’s Upper Rawdon by Rev

R.H. Coote to Leonard Praught 1940 Jan 10 Alberton PEI - , s/o Neil Praught 1913-1980,

Farmer/Grace Callaghan 1915-1989, chemical engineer NSTC 1962.

Three children:

– Timothy Leonard 1964 May 19 Sarnia ON - , md 1995 Gander Bay to

Viola Hart 1968 Gander Bay NFLD - . Tim grad of Univ Calgary, lives/works Ft

McMurray AB.

– Lesley Charlene 1965 Oct 24 Sarnia ON - md1st 1990 Calgary to Michael Flemming

1962 Calgary AB - , divorced. Md 2nd 2002 Halifax NS Dana Deamel. Both work

Manulife, Halifax, live Lower Sackville.

– Carla Mae 1972 Feb 18 Red Deer AB - . Grad Dalhousie. Single. Lives Lawrencetown,

NS, breeds Papillon dogs.

Six grandchildren: Lesley's Joshua Flemming 1990 Sept 17 Calgary - , lives L.

Sackville, works Atlantic Superstore gas bar; Jennifer 1994 Jan 24 Calgary - , lives at

home L. Sackville, works A&W; Tim Praught's Abigail 1996 Aug 17 - ; Samuel 1998

March 24 - ; Emily 2000 July 13 - ; Daniel 2002 Sept 9 - . all born Ft McMurray AB,

live with parents.

– Siblings, surname FENTON:

Erwin 1921 – 1994, single

Everett 1923 – 1941, single, tetanus from barn work injury.

Glynn 1925 June 15 – lives Greenwich, Kings Co NS, retired carpenter, widower of

Emily Frail 1923-1997. Two children, surname FENTON: Lynn 1953 - ; Faith 1957 - .

Glynn served WW2 overseas.

Kenneth 1927 – 2003, Air Canada maintenance worker, married Lillian Curran 1932 –

lives Upper Rawdon. Four children: Kevin 1955 - ; James 1956 - ; Mitchell 1958 - ;

Karen 1964 - .

Katherine 1929 – 2010, married Wilmont Densmore 1922- 2003 of Noel. Seven

children: Ora 1951 - : Valerie 1952 - ; Brian 1955 - : Diana 1958 - ; Deryck 1961 - ;

Darlene 1966 - .

Ruth 1932 – 1990. married Mike Winter 1931 -2012. Three children: Darren 1968 - ;

David 1969 - ; Donald 1972 - . Donald lives on the home place.

- Double 1st cousin FENTON's, farmed beside Nora in Upper Rawdon. Children of Perry

Fenton 1887-1975/Gladys Casey 1897 – 1970:

Ross 1925 - ; Beulah 1926 - 2007; Roy 1928 - , single, lives on home farm; William

1932 – 2004 of MS; Beryl 1935 - , VG nursing grad, lives MA; Beverly 1939 March 16

- , widow, lives Noel, works hardware store Kennetcook. Note, Beverly one day older

than Nora, and grew up beside each other on the hill.

Nora May Fenton was born 1939 March 17 St Patrick’s Day in Upper Rawdon, Hants Co NS, youngest child of seven of Guy Fenton/Lulu Casey. Nora grew up on the home farm, and attended North Hants High School in Kennetcook. After completing high school, she worked briefly at the local motel/restaurant.

Finally Nora entered Victoria General Nursing studies, graduating with the class of 62A. Following graduation, Nora worked in neuro for several months, before joining Jean Forbes, Chris MacKay, Lida Messer, and Marge Morgan to venture across Canada and down the US Pacific coast to Burlingame CA. There she worked in orthopedics of San Mateo-Burlingame hospital. Just before completing her nursing studies in Halifax, Nora met Leonard Praught, a chemical engineering student from PEI, on a blind date as arranged by Rita Hicks, her classmate, and John “Teeder” Kennedy, Len’s roommate. On the way to California, Nora stopped in Sarnia Ontario where Len was now working, and was given her engagement ring. Len came down to Burlingame at Xmas time, lugging a frozen turkey he had won at bowling, but without any US money, as didn’t realize Canadian money didn’t work there. The girls had to pay the taxi. By the spring of 1963 Nora was back home in Upper Rawdon arranging the wedding for May 11.

After the wedding and settling in Sarnia ON, Nora nursed at St Joseph’s Hospital between having 2 children - Timothy in 1964 and Lesley in 1965. Finally, in 1966 they loaded their few belongings in a small trailer and headed off to Sydney NS, where Len worked on the start-up of the new heavy water plant in Glace Bay. Nora’s classmate Lynn Morrow was also there at that time, as her spouse Sandy worked on plant insulation.

In 1968, Len had had enough of the heavy water business, having developed an ulcer, and they moved to St. Bruno PQ, where Len worked on start-up and operation of an ethylene facility in Varennes. They bought their first house in St Bruno. Nora did not do any nursing in PQ, but did take up ice curling. In 1971, they were transferred to a natural gas plant in Rimbey AB. There Nora did some nursing at the Rimbey Community hospital, and had her 3rd child Carla in 1972. Surprise – Nora thought she had the flu. Len broke an ankle playing hockey, ending up in the Rimbey hospital, where Nora was on duty. In 1973, Len was transferred back to the Varennes PQ facilities, and they once more took up residence in St Bruno. Three children kept Nora quite busy.

Finally, after requesting a posting overseas, Len got one to Ahwaz Iran in Jan 1976. Initially they stayed in the Ahwaz hotel but soon moved into new company housing. Of course, Iran was a totally different living experience. Their house had nice marble floors, but a lot of cement dabs all over which had to be painstakingly cleaned off with steel wool. The weather was hot – 50~C every day for 6-7 summer months. Not a cloud in the sky during that period. The company car had AC, but couldn’t run it, as would overheat. We had a water tank on top of the flat roof, as water was often shut off. But didn’t need to heat the water for a shower, as already plenty hot from the roof. Groceries were available from a small store, and there was a quite acceptable vegetable-fruit market. Also a nice swimming pool, which we went to almost daily, and a desert golf course. Our Iranian Safety Manager didn’t think women should drive, but Nora did anyway. When winter came there was some rain but poor drainage meant flooding of the streets. Aside from seeing local culture up close with people riding around on donkeys and some living in caves, there were some ancient sites nearby that we visited – Haft Tappeh (seven hills), a royal area from pre 2000 BC; Masjid-i-Sulemein, home of early Zorastrian religion; Susa, the winter home of Cyrus/Darius, kings of Iran, where Daniel, friend of Esther, spent time. We were surprised at latter as weren’t allowed in – since we were infidels, even though Daniel is in our bible too. We also traveled further afield to the summer home of Cyrus etc. in Persepolis and Shiraz, and to Teheran where the Shah had his palace. In meantime, Nora did some volunteer nursing at the Ahwaz hospital when expats were patients. But the political scene began to change as people tried to get rid of the Shah and his government. Unrest spread though out the country, riots occurred, and many facilities were burned, and finally some company personnel were shot down. Nora and the children were evacuated Xmas eve 1977 to Bahrain, then to London England and finally back to Upper Rawdon. Len was asked to stay on in Ahwaz but on New Year’s Eve, the company decided to move all remaining expats to Athens Greece. After a month there, Len headed back to Upper Rawdon, where they rented the upper level of the Barkhouse/Blois country store while awaiting developments in Iran. During this hiatus, Len took up searching the family trees in NS and PEI, which has been his major hobby ever since.

The situation in Iran did not improve, so Len was transferred June 1979 to Calgary AB head office of Alberta Gulf oil/gas operations, buying a house in Oakridge southwest section of Calgary. In 1982-1983 Len took on a 15 month assignment in Montreal where modules were being built for oil/gas exploration of the Beaufort Sea up north. Nora remained in Calgary with the children in school, and was now pursuing her curling more vigorously. While living in Calgary there were many trips to the Rockies and to BC skiing and sightseeing.

Finally in late 1984, with no sign of further overseas assignments, Len left Gulf Canada after 16 years, and joined Roy M. Huffington Company, out of Houston TX, in Bontang, E. Kalimantan, Indonesia, where they resided for next 7 years. No curling there but plenty of water activities (sailing, fishing, coral reefs, sight-seeing up jungle rivers), softball, golf and jungle hiking for Nora, including a trip to Sulawesi. Oldest children were now in university of Calgary, but came over at Xmas and in summer to visit. We took vacations all around Indonesia (Bali, Borobudor/Mt Merapi/Prambanan, Surabaya/Mt Bromo, Medan/Sumatra, Jakarta; Australia (Perth, Darwin, Sydney, Brisbane); New Zealand (north and south Island), and SE Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong). While in Indonesia, Nora’s 1st grandchild Joshua was born 1990 in Calgary to daughter Lesley.

In Jan 1992, we were back in Halifax NS, with our youngest Carla now in university at Dal. For next many years Len took short term single status assignments in Calgary, Houston (Nora joined Len on a trip to Guadalajara Mexico), Indonesia, and 6 months in Paris where Nora also came to visit and tour. 5 more grandchildren came along from 1994-2002 (Lesley’s Jennifer and Tim’s Abigail, Samuel, Emily, Daniel). Nora and her teammates won the NS Ladies Masters curling championship in 2001, and went on to finish 3rd in the nationals in Manitoba.

In May 2003 Len, along with Nora, took a longer job in Egypt on a new LNG plant being built by British Gas. They spent 1st year in Cairo and next 1 1/2y in Alexandria, before finally retiring to Waverley NS just outside Halifax at end of 2005. While in Egypt played golf, toured the pyramids, Cairo museum and City of the Dead, several desert oases and holy centers, took Nile River cruise to Aswan and the Valley of the Kings, a wild game safari to Kenya, trip to Mt Sinai where Moses got the Ten Commandments, a week in Cyprus and another to Crete.

In Nov 2005, we settled back in NS in Waverley on 2 acres of wooded/bouldered land beside crown land forest, with enough flower garden and lawn to keep everyone busy. From there, we took brief trips around NS to Cape Breton, the Valley, Clare, Chester, Shelburne and to PEI, several 1-week winter trips to Cuba and Dominican Republic, took in the 2006 nurses reunion in ON, held a Fenton family reunion in our backyard, Nora’s high school reunion in Kennetcook, Len’s 50th 2007 high school reunion in Miscouche PEI and extended Praught family reunion, as well as a 2-week Alaska-Yukon tour in 2008. In late 2007, Nora began to show signs of short term memory loss diagnosed as early Alzheimers. Since then Nora continues to enjoy her curling, golf, and gardening, playing with/walking Papillon dog Keegan (one of those bred by daughter Carla), and annual trips to Ft McMurray AB to visit with Tim and family with a stopover in Calgary/Kelowna to visit friends there. Nora also developed rheumatica myalgia (severe joint pain) in spring of 2010 that took a few months before found that prednisone magically took away the symptoms. Of course, the myalgia along with Len needing a hernia operation pretty well limited the golf in 2010, but expect to be back at in 2011.

Reflections from Darlene M. (Niece):

In Memory of Nora May (Fenton) Praught

From the very beginning, Nora spread joy and laughter wherever she went. She had a happy disposition and a genuine love of life. She often reminisced about her adventures with Beverly, whether they were coasting, playing scrub, crokinole or rummy, searching for that illusive pot of gold or hitch hiking home from volleyball practice; those two were inseparable. When it came to school, Nora was a great student, although she and Beverly did spend a substantial amount of time in their respective corners in elementary school. To this day, Nora’s blue and gold high school sports jacket can be seen hanging in the display case at Hants North Rural High.

From the time that her nieces and nephews were little, Nora basically lived away. Like some magical being, every time she came home, her brothers and sisters were all smiles and seemed to stay that way for weeks. It seemed that she refreshed them somehow, with that precious well-spent time; and if you think about it, she did seem to have that effect on most everyone around her.

Dianna was Nora and Len’s flower girl at their wedding. To this day, she still has the locket she was given, although the dress does not fit quite so well anymore.

Nora sometimes babysat for Mom & Dad. Now, that in itself, shows she had a mountain of patience. One day she was trying to mix or finish mixing a batch of white bread, as per Mom’s instructions. Needless to say, Nora was not an expert bread maker BUT she was an excellent cook!

Nora said the shore air relaxed her and helped her get a good night’s sleep when she came to visit. She did tend to sleep in when she stayed with Mom & Dad, so maybe there really was something in that Noel Shore air, or maybe it had something to do with the sedative that Dad gave her occasionally, also known as good old Alexander Keith’s.

We girls took Nora on one of our infamous “mother/daughter” trips to New Brunswick one year. What a wonderful trip! I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard! There was not one waitress who didn’t enjoy waiting on our table because of the laughter and relaxed attitudes – a little sight-seeing, a little shopping, a lot of eating, a drink here and there, and then more eating.

I remember when she attempted to get her ears pierced, and it seems to me that we never did get that other one done, did we Nora? Then there was the time Everett almost drowned Ora and Nora basically saved her life. We all have memories from the times we visited her and Len in such places as Sarnia, St. Bruno, Sydney, and Rimbey.

Everyone here today has their own special memories of Nora and will miss her dearly. She left a lasting impression on all of our hearts. I want to close with a poem. If Nora could speak today, she might say something like this:

A limb has fallen from the family tree.

I keep hearing a voice that says, "Grieve not for me.

Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.

The good life I lived while I was strong.

Continue my heritage, I'm counting on you.

Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.

My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.

Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.

Continue traditions, no matter how small.

Go on with your life, don't worry about falls

I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.

Until the day comes we're together again

Reflections from the Praught Grandchildren to Grammie:

Many of you know her as Nora but to us she was Grammie. Grammie was a really fun person. All of us enjoyed spending time with her and we all loved her very much. We were very lucky to have her as our Grammie. Although she wasn't herself recently we will always remember the special times we shared and we will always miss her.

We have so many special memories and moments, we couldn't share them all but each of us wanted to share a memory we have. While they may not seem exciting they are special because of Grammie.

ABIGAIL: My special memories are of the long walks we would spend together. We loved walking Keegan. Our time together will always hold a special place in my heart. I love and miss you Grammie.

Love Abigail

SAMUEL: I remember a summer vacation we spent with Grammie and Granddad at their home in Nova Scotia. I remember many days eating ice cream and enjoying a good Scooby-Doo movie with Grammie. Good Times. I will always remember our special times together

Love Sam

EMILY: One of my favorite memories is of a time when we were baking cookies. Grammie told me not to touch the hot cookies but I couldn't resist and burnt my finger but Grammie didn't say "I told you not to touch the hot cookies" but instead took me aside and kissed my finger. She always had a way of making me feel better no matter what I did. P.S. I did get to enjoy a cookie. I will love you always.

Love Emily

DANIEL: I remember Grammies special hugs. She never ran out or made you wait. No matter what happened Grammies hugs made your day better. I remember your stories because you had so many of them and I was always eager to hear them. I will miss you a lot Grammie

Love Daniel

We will miss your smiles, your laughter and the way you made us feel so loved and special.

Abigail, Samuel, Emily and Daniel

Reflections: (Nursing Classmate):

Nora May (Fenton) Praught, Our Classmate

There’s a saying: New friends are silver, old friends are gold. Nora was definitely a golden one. We have been friends for over 50 years, having all come to the Victoria General in January, 1959. We were “62A”....not knowing what the next three years had in store for us.

Nora was quiet and shy when she first arrived. It didn’t take us long to realize that mischief and fun lay beneath her gentle smile. For the next three years we had lots of both mischief and fun.

Many of us were homesick and Nora was one. Her suitcases were packed and off she went to Upper Rawdon saying, “I’m not coming back!” However, she always did return with many lovely homemade goodies and often a cake for someone’s birthday. Needless to say, once word got around of “goodies”, we all converged on Nora’s room.

By some act of fate, Nora was given the largest room, with two windows. She frequently reminded us of her good fortune. If you had that much room it made sense that we should gather there for sleepovers, meetings and grumble sessions about life in general. Nora was always game and we had many fun filled times topped off with bread and peanut butter if no one had homemade goodies to share.

Nora had a story she loved to tell. Not too long after we came into training, one of our classmates was faced with a problem she couldn’t solve so she did the appropriate thing at the time. She ran out of the room and shouted, “Nurse!” Nora happened to be there and said, with the Nora “look” I’m sure, “You are a nurse!!” We always had a good chuckle from that story and more than one of us had the same problem.

Our class has always been close and frequent lunches at Sharon’s or a local restaurant were catch up times complete with pictures of children and grandchildren. Nora was always willing and ready to go. Sometimes our group was a noisy one, but never as loud as our class meetings were. Everyone talked and few listened.

We all have our memories and stories of Nora. Those are ours forever. She was many things to many people - a sister, a daughter, a cousin and an aunt. A wife to Len and a loving Mom to Tim, Lesley and Carla and a proud grandmother to her grandchildren. I mustn’t forget Keegan, her dog, with whom she walked most days in the wooded area near her home where the lady slippers grow.

When I think of Nora, I think of a mischievous and loyal classmate and a good friend with a quiet sense of humour and a kind and gentle spirit.

We will miss her

In closing, I would like to read a poem.

Journey End

When I come to the end of my journey

And I travel my last weary mile,

Just forget if you can that I ever frowned

And remember only the smile.

Forget unkind words I have spoken;

Remember some good I have done.

Forget that I have stumbled and blundered

And remember the battles I’ve won.

Don’t grieve for my going

I would not have you sad for a day,

But in summer just gather some flowers

And remember the place where I lay.

And come in the shade of the evening

When the sun paints the sky in the west,

Stand for a few minutes beside me,

And remember only my best.

Marg (Squires) Bingley

Classmate 62A

* * * * * * * * * *

Nora May (Fenton) Praught, 75 years, Waverley, NS passed away in Abbie Lane Hospital, Halifax, NS on April 29th, 2014. Born in Upper Rawdon, Hants Co., NS on March 17th, 1939. Nora was the youngest of 7 children of Guy Fenton and Lulu Casey. Nora graduated from Nursing in the 1962A class at the VG in Halifax. She nursed in Halifax, California, Sarnia ON, Rimbey AB as well as volunteering in Iran. Nora was an avid sports enthusiast participating in basketball, softball, badminton, golf, hiking, camping, and her favorite – curling. She was a member of the 2001 Ladies Masters’ Champions for NS, and competed for NS at the National Masters Curling Championships in MB that year.

Survived by her husband of nearly 51 years, Leonard Praught; son, Timothy (Viola), Fort McMurray, AB; daughters, Lesley (Dana) Deamel, Lower Sackville, and Carla, Lawrencetown; brother, Glynn Fenton, Greenwich; sister in law, Lil Fenton, Upper Rawdon; six grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Predeceased by siblings, Erwin, Everett, Kenneth, Kaye (Wilmont) Densmore, and Ruth (Mike) Winter.

The family would like to thank the staff at Abbie Lane, 9th floor for looking after Nora, and Home Instead, particularly Glenda Crawley for her personal attention.

Nora will be cremated, and her memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 3rd at 10 am in J. A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax, (455-0531) with Father Dr. Gary Thorne leading the service. Followed by a reception at the funeral home.