Noreen was born on May 24, 1962, in Dauphin, Manitoba, to Albert and Olga Kozak. She and her three siblings grew up in various communities across the Prairies, including Leaf Rapids, Man., a northern mining community that her father, a construction professional, helped to build.
Noreen is survived by her older brother Raymond (Rosemary) of Brandon, her older sister Carla (Eric) Wenger of Winnipeg, and her younger brother Leon (Randeen) of Kamloops, and all of her nieces and nephews—Clayton, Erin, Niki, Ben, Hilary, Lexi and Mason—and great nieces and nephews.
After leaving Winnipeg for the promise of adventure and warmer climates in Vancouver, Noreen reconnected with friend June Quiroga, who had also worked at an insurance brokerage in Winnipeg and had moved to the Lower Mainland. June introduced Noreen to a colleague, Tony Davis.
Tony had emigrated from the UK to Canada in 1987. He still remembers the night he met Noreen, dancing on a table at Carlos & Buds. In 1995, the couple was married at the Kozak family home in Brandon.
Together, Tony and Noreen pursued many passions, including skiing, boating, golf and travel. Noreen became a fantastic skier and a first-class first mate as they sailed along the BC coast and Gulf Islands. She adored the Greek Islands but looked most fondly on a trip the couple took to Africa, where they helped build two schools through Rotary International, and then went on a safari together.
Wherever she went, Noreen made friends and lit up rooms. She always treasured her time with June, lifelong friends Judy Culbertson & Cheryl Taylor of Brandon; Joan Probert, with whom she traveled to Europe and South America; Jenny and Carmen deFoy, friends she became close with through work; and Lisa Telford, a friend and nurse at Lion’s Gate Hospital. Other special friends include Dale Schreyer, Michael Aucone, Kellie and Michelle Tornai, and so many more dear friends in Canada and abroad.
After her career in insurance, Noreen pursued the world of real estate, working in various roles, including as an agent, before she began her role with the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver. Twenty-two years later, she was still with the REBGV, overseeing the Member Services Dept. including the MLS division. Even in the most difficult recent months, Noreen remained a focused, positive leader, and was adored and admired by her team and many of her peers.
In December, 2019, Noreen was diagnosed with colon cancer. She fought it valiantly, and Tony is grateful for the special times they shared enjoying each other’s company in recent months, and rediscovering all of her amazing qualities. Even though she was often in pain, she always smiled.
The family would like to thank the many gracious people who were a part of Noreen’s care team, including oncologist Dr. Howard Lim, Dr. Janelle Bellerive, Dr. Noelle Davis, all the nurses, doctors and care providers at North Vancouver Hospice, and the BC Cancer Agency.
A small service is being held Friday, which will be livestreamed so others can join as we remember Noreen at https://www.dignitycanada.com/northvancouver/ In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the BC Cancer Agency or North Shore Hospice and Palliative Project.
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