Norris Mary MacArthur

Norris M. MacArthur, born April 23, 1921 in Amherst, NS, died peacefully in Halifax, NS, on August 28, 2013 at the age of 92. The daughter of Viola (nee O’Hearn) and Adolph Cormier, she was predeceased by her parents, brothers Craig Cormier, Ross Cormier and Tennyson Cormier, daughter Donna MacArthur and grandson Richard Tannous.

Norris is survived by her husband of 72 years, Lloyd G. “John” MacArthur, daughter Ruth (Jerry) Tannous, son Douglas (Catherine Schulz) MacArthur, daughter Deborah (Bruce) Rogerson; six grandchildren, Victor (Christine Hanson) Tannous, Thomas Rogerson, Sarah (Andrew Lewis) Rogerson, Brendan MacArthur, Ian MacArthur, and Rowan MacArthur; as well as four great-grandchildren, Kaitlin Rogerson, Madeline Tannous, Sophia Tannous and Joseph Lewis.

She and John met and courted in Amherst and were married in Halifax after the Cormiers made a new home in the city on College St. John served in the Navy during and after World War II and the Korean War. In 1950, Norris and John bought a cottage and started a tradition of spending summers there. Dubbed The Queen of Queensland, Norris was well known by several generations of cottagers and beach-goers.

Entering the paid workforce in the 1960s, Norris wasted little time finding her niche in the men’s wear department of Mills Brothers where she worked with style and grace for some 20 years. Summers were hers, however, to spend in Queensland. In her retirement, she volunteered for a number of years at the QE II Health Sciences Centre.

Norris loved her family with a legendary enthusiasm and was happiest when as many as possible were gathered together to enjoy her cooking and sense of occasion. She made holidays and birthdays major events and, after weeks of shopping to ensure everyone had extra-special gifts, Norris was in her element enjoying the magic of Christmas.

Her best gifts will live on without her. She instilled in her children and grandchildren the importance of family, overcoming sadness and loss, and always celebrating life. Norris MacArthur’s ray of sunshine will be held close in the hearts of all who mourn her passing.

Visitation will be held Sunday, September 1, from 2 to 4 pm at Cruikshank's Halifax Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor St. The funeral Mass will be held at 10 am, Monday, September 2, at St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica. Interment will take place at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Sackville, on Tuesday, September 3, at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Nova Scotia Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of choice.