Norma Campbell Billard

Born on April 17, 1943 in Boston, MA to parents John Norman Campbell and Cassie Emma Campbell, she grew up in Brookline, Massachusetts and enjoyed summers in Nova Scotia.

In 1970, she married John W Tierney {deceased} and gave birth to Molly MacMillan {Tierney} White and Theodore Campbell Tierney. After an amicable divorce, Norma married childhood friend, love of her life, and soul mate, Douglas V. Billard in Sherborn, MA on July 28, 1984. She was predeceased by her parents.

She is survived by her husband Douglas [Falmouth, ME], daughter Molly and son in law Carter White [Portland, ME] , son Theodore and daughter in law Linda Chusuei and grand-puppy Oberon.

Norma’s medical career began in Boston after graduating from Brookline High. She attended Boston University however the necessity to do live animal research, at that time, caused her to change her course from pre-med to the studies of molecular biology. After further education she was awarded a Cytotechnology degree from the Boston New England School of Cytotechnology. Norma’s professional career included employment at hospitals in Boston, Chicago and Maine before retiring.

Foremost Norma was an animal lover and accomplished equestrian. Over the years she had several horses, however, an Appaloosa named Kahooligan was by far her favorite. He was an experienced polo pony and excelled in the hunt field. Kahooligan competed in Illinois, winning awards at the state level Hunter Trials twice.

Norma was a member of the Wayne-DuPage Hunt, Illinois, The Old North Bridge Hounds and Norfolk Hunt, Massachusetts.

As the children grew she introduced Molly and Theo to sailing in Nova Scotia and Maine on their sailboat appropriately named, Impatience. Norma’s sailing adventures included many of the windward and leeward islands of the Caribbean Sea over a twenty-year period. Norma and Doug were long time members of the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron, Halifax and the Portland Yacht Club, Portland, Maine.

John and Emma built the cottage in Cape Breton in 1953 and summered there with Norma until their demise. Improvements occurred year after year as a form of enjoyment rather than necessity. Norma would invite her friends and relatives to Dundee, as she was a true people person. Many friendships were forged or renewed in Cape Breton.

Her passing was not sudden and she had time to plan. Many called and spoke or sang to her on her birthday; the day before she passed. Norma’s smile and humor drew people to her. With compassion, kindness and respect she kept them as long time friends whether near or afar.

Norma battled multiple sclerosis as a young woman. She gave hope to others that the symptoms could be managed. Later in life Hodgkin Lymphoma became the medical challenge. The Doctors and Staff at Massachusetts General Hospital were by her side and became her friends during the process and after she returned home.

Norma has so many wonderful friends and family members. The family is comforted to know she has been reunited with some of them and her many beloved pets.

In lieu of flowers, Doug has requested that friends plant a flower to remember Norma and the beauty that she brought to our lives when it blooms each year.

There will be a celebration of Norma’s life at the Portland Yacht Club and again in Dundee, Cape Breton at a later date.