Ms. Nora McCaughey

1911-2011

On December 15, 2011, after living a life of over 100 years, Nora passed away at Golden West Centennial Lodge. Nora was predeceased by her brothers Jack, Roydon, and Neil and sisters-in-law Joan and Mary. Left to mourn her passing are Nora’s sister Willis (Billie), sister-in-law Ida and her nephews Grant McCaughey (Michele), Ian McCaughey, Bill McCaughey and niece Barbara McMullen (Clare), as well as many grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.

Nora was born on May 10, 1911 to William and Marie McCaughey in Winnipeg and lived her early life on Walnut Street. She went to Laura Secord and Gordon Bell High schools and upon graduation, Nora worked for Eaton’s in the Novelties Department.

Nora spent most of her career at the University of Manitoba in secretarial and administrative positions, serving for many years as the Executive Assistant to the Dean of Engineering. During the Second World War, Nora attended the Radio College of Canada in Toronto where she trained as a radio operator and contributed to the war effort at Stevenson Airfield in Winnipeg.

Nora loved travelling and visited many locations in North America, Europe and Australia. She was very active in her community and attended Westminster United Church, where she was a member of the ladies guild. Nora enjoyed the arts, attending the symphony, ballet, theatre, and art gallery.

Upon Nora’s retirement, she donated her time, volunteering with the Craft Guild of Manitoba, knitting for charities, and delivering ‘Meals on Wheels’ well into her 80’s.

Family was central to Nora’s life. She was a devoted daughter, who lived with and cared for her parents until their passing. Nora and her brothers and sister enjoyed a close bond. They shared many happy memories of their childhood on Walnut Street, playing with neighbourhood friends, great times visiting friends on the farm and vacations at Clear Lake. The brothers and sisters continued their strong family ties into their adulthood and old age, celebrating all birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions together. They were very supportive of each other extending their love and kindness to the younger generations of the family as well. Auntie Nora was always pleased to see her niece and nephews, and then their children and grandchildren. She especially enjoyed the company of the little ones.

Nora was a loyal friend, maintaining friendships over many years. She had been friends with Edith (Dede) Young since elementary school, met regularly with the ‘novelty girls’ from Eaton’s, and kept in touch with her roommate from Radio College.

Along with her sister, Billie, Nora became a resident of Golden West Centennial Lodge in 2007. Brother Neil joined them at Golden West a short time later. The family is very grateful to Golden West for accommodating the sisters, since they had lived together their entire lives.

A memorial service will held Saturday January 7, 2012 at 11:00am at Westminster United Church. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of Golden West Centennial Lodge for their gentle care and kindness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nora’s name to the Golden West Centennial Lodge Memorial Fund, 811 School Rd, Wpg., R3C 4G2.