Norma Catherine MacLean

Norma Catherine (Duvar) MacLean, who recently celebrated her 85th birthday, died peacefully on March 11, 2026, in the care of her life-long love, Rev. Hugh MacLean. Growing up in Charlottetown, PEI, with her brother Ivan and late sister Andrea, Norma was loved by parents Arthur and Helen Duvar and, later, adored by husband Hugh and sons, Mark (Angela), Daniel (Jacalyn) and Ken (Allegra). Norma and Hugh were blessed to spend their 60th wedding anniversary together last August.

After recovering from childhood polio, Norma was an excellent student, basketball player, swimmer, swim instructor, student council rep, YMCA leader, Scottish highland dancer and Old Home Week Gold Cup and Saucer Girl in her younger years. She went on to earn a BA at Mount Allison University and Education degree at McGill’s Macdonald College. Her first teaching position in Spryfield, NS, was, perhaps by design, not far from her old sweetheart Hugh who was preparing for ministry at Pine Hill Divinity Hall, Halifax and the two were soon reunited, followed by a wedding and a move to Scotland. There Hugh would study at Edinburgh University while Norma taught school. During school breaks they ventured through Europe with Norma courageously on the back of their scooter.

Norma was hard working, dedicated, intelligent, fun loving and beautiful. Over the years she became a mother, grandmother, teacher, librarian, historian, day-care director, highland dance instructor, swimmer, camper, canoer, avid reader of the works of Lucy Maud Montgomery and, as a Minister’s wife, the organizer of the family. They made a home in Pownal, Charlottetown, New Glasgow (NS), Halifax, Saint John, Halifax (again), Cavendish and finally in Wolfville at Wickwire Place Retirement Living residence. Norma greeted each new United Church and community with grace, caring, kindness and leadership.

Norma’s quick wit and sense of humour never left during her journey living with dementia, and she continued to delight at the sight of her grandchildren, twins Andrea and Alexander, Joe and Ali, Van and Hugh, whom she had loved hosting at the cottage in Holland Cove, Rocky Point, PEI, where she was always last to leave the beach.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, March 21st at 1pm at Hillside United Church in Rockingham, Halifax, NS, the community where Norma and Hugh raised their boys from 1975 to 1984.

To access the service virtually please click this link:

https://www.youtube.com/@HillsideAV/featured