Melissa Lynne Norman

It is with great sadness, the family of Melissa Lynne Norman, age 42, of 908 Victoria Ave. N., Fort Frances, Ontario announce her passing with her family by her side on Thursday, February 10, 2011 at her home.

She was born on June 22, 1968 in Fort Frances, Ontario. At the age of 20, Melissa was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and had a very long journey with the disease. She was able to walk for 8 years, later requiring a wheelchair for 8 years, until becoming bedridden for the past 4 years. Despite her difficulties she had a great sense of humor and made everyone laugh. She loved and cared deeply for all of her in home care nurses (N.I.L.S.) and Com Care, and was very strong willed until the end. In earlier years, she met Derm and fell in love with him immediately and were married on December 7, 1990. Melissa was very outgoing and loved shopping, and tanning outside. She also loved her family from the bottom of her heart and was constantly proud and supportive of her daughter, Tanikka. At home, Melissa cared very deeply for her animals. She also loved visiting Newfoundland with Derm and Tanikka, and spending endless hours at their cabin on Sawbill Lake with them.

Melissa is survived by her by her parents, Fred and Donna Dustak; her husband, Dermot (Derm) Norman; and daughter, Tanikka Norman (Brady Caul) all of Fort Frances, ON. She is also survived by two brothers, Shane Dustak (Cathy Westover), and Allan Dustak; and two nephews, Chad Dustak and Chace Dustak all of Fort Frances, ON.

Cremation has taken place at Rainy River Cremation Services in International Falls, Minnesota.

A memorial service to celebrate Melissa’s life will be held on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at 2 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, Ontario with Father Wayne McIntosh officiating.

Interment will take place in Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances, Ontario at a later date.

Honourary pallbearers were Melissa’s family and friends.

Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Alzheimers Society of Kenora / RR District, Box 837, Kenora, ON., P9N 4B5, Rainycrest Long Term Care, 550 Osborne St., Fort Frances, ON., P9A 3T2, or Multiple Sclerosis Society, 703B Victoria Ave., E., Thunder Bay, ON., P7C 5X9, or in c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ontario, P9A 3M8.

Online condolences may be made in care of greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.