Lenore Ruth Norman

Lenore was born in Toronto, Ontario, and spent many of her formative years in Guelph, Ontario. Returning to Toronto in adulthood, she excelled in a variety of career paths in the big city, including roles as a banker, stock broker, special education teacher, and copy editor. It was during her time in banking that she met the love of her life, Stewart Craven, whom she married in Dawson City, Yukon, in 1979. Married for 45 years, the couple proved over and over again that the quality and longevity of their marriage was inversely proportional to the price tag on their nuptials (a mere ten dollars).

Lenore was also a deeply loving and devoted mother to Krista and aunt to Karen. She affectionately welcomed her son-in-law, Ryan, and nephew-in-law, Ken, into her life and admired both greatly. Lenore was also a doting grandma to Elliott and auntie to Olivia and Ryan.

Lenore’s many passions included fostering enthusiasm for learning in young people, global politics, CBC radio, and of course advocating for and protecting all animals great and small—whether encountered in her travels in Cuba, Peru, or Rwanda, or in environments as close as her own back yard. Every animal Lenore came across was showered in her love, attention, and compassion. She worked alongside local veterinarians and cat rescue organizations to feed, shelter, and provide incredible care for countless feral cats with astounding sensitivity and sweetness.

A brilliant and deeply kind woman with a simple elegance and a sharp wit, Lenore will be greatly missed by Stewart, Krista (Ryan; Elliott), Karen (Ken; Olivia and Ryan), all her friends, and of course her beloved cats, Hair-Q-Purr-O and Miss Marple.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lenore’s name to Humane Society International or local cat rescues and feral feline TNR (trap, neuter, release) projects in your area.