STACEY (nee Radford) Norma. May 23, 1963 ~ July 6, 2011. Norma was an outstanding person! I met her when she was my grade 8 student in Abbotsford, 33 years ago. This was the time when her dear mother, whom I also knew and respected, passed away. Norma had a very happy early childhood, always friendly, helpful and industrious. As she grew older she became a dedicated Christian; this gave her a firm base in life's struggles. She was always a great nature-lover and good hiker. Norma was very gifted in Art, especially in painting and knitting. She loved to play guitar. She earned the Silver Medal of the Duke of Edinburgh Award presented in the Government House, Victoria. She was happy to be chosen together with other selected students across Canada for the excellent Katimavik program, a tremendous enrichment for all participants. Each student lived for some time in families of different cultural backgrounds, carried out worthwhile projects and stayed together in a fascinating sailing camp at the Pacific. After high school graduation in Abbotsford, she pursued further training and became an outstanding homemaker. Norma lived for some time on a reserve in Burns Lake where her two children were born. Together with a Home Economist, she composed an illustrated booklet: "How Leila's Slippers were Made" relating the making of the moccasins from raw hide to the finished product. She returned with her children to Abbotsford where her father lives. After further studying, she became a practical nurse and continued to increase her medical knowledge by taking additional professional courses. She loved to work: caring for sick ones in her quiet, modest way. She also got involved with local school work in Crofton, where she lived happily with her caring husband for the last 7 years. There she took care of handicapped students, familiarizing herself with sign language. She had a good mutual relationship with the local aboriginal cultural centre. Norma fondly loved her two children and three grandchildren. Her spirit lives on, and her radiant personality remains close to everyone who knows her.
By Edith Schendel