Nora Setsuko Ming

The second of seven children, Nora was born tough and learned the values of discipline, respect, and hard work early on. Despite having major hip dysplasia which caused her to have her trademark limp, she waitressed in Bassano to save up and attend the University in Calgary and received scholarships to help pay for the fees. It was during university when Nora met her husband, Dennis. By 1966, Nora earned her education degree and taught for the next 27 years beginning at Killarney Elementary in Calgary.

Interestingly, Nora became a member of the National Association of Japanese Canadians (NAJC) redress movement determined to hold the Government of Canada accountable for the serious human rights violations suffered by the Japanese community between the years 1941-49. David and Mitsue, Nora’s parents, were of the many Japanese Canadians sent to internment camps and forced to relocate. Nora was one of the family members to receive an apology and compensation package in 1988.

A gifted seamstress, knitter, crochetier, and crafter, Nora spent many hours and many road trips creating Afghans, baby clothing, little girl’s dresses and pinafores, and placemats, to be sold at various craft shows. She was also a fantastic cook, although cooking wasn’t her greatest love. As with all her endeavors, everything she made was perfect.

She loved to travel and was fortunate to visit places in Europe (London, Rome, Venice, Florence, Prague), Mexico, Hawaii, as well as travel by car all throughout Canada and the US.

Much of Nora’s time was also spent enjoying and being involved in her daughter Jennifer’s activities. From attending every dance competition, sewing every dance costume, and watching and keeping score at many volleyball games and tournaments, it was always a thrill to see Nora cheering from the sidelines.

Nora was predeceased by her father David, mother Mitsue, brothers Thomas and Alvin/Butch, and sister Maie. She is survived by her husband of 55 years Dennis, daughter Jennifer (Shaun), sisters Keiko (Harvey) and Patricia, brother Robert (Rhea), brother-in-law Grant, sister-in-law Mennie, and will also be missed by her nieces and nephews.

Forever in our hearts and memories. We love you, mama!