Norma Cannell

Norma Cannell

January 13, 1932 – June 24, 2023

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Norma on the morning of June 24, 2023. She was predeceased on November 11, 2022 by Bill, her loving husband of 68 years, and leaves behind her daughters Lynda and Leslie and son-in-law Jim Titus.

Norma was born in Newport, Wales and, as a young child, frequently moved around Great Britain to accommodate her father’s work as an electrical engineer. She left home as a teenager to pursue an independent and adventurous life and eventually settled in the Isle of Man where she met the love of her life Bill. Together they yearned for a life with greater opportunity and left the Isle of Man in 1954 on a P&O boat bound for Canada. They settled in Vancouver, got married and started their wonderful life together.

After a few years of working and getting established, Norma and Bill started their family. In support of Bill’s career aspirations, Norma assumed the role of “head of the household” where she excelled at absolutely everything. There wasn’t anything she couldn’t do. She was a loving and dedicated mother and wife, an excellent cook, and a gardening aficionado. She could do home repairs, play the piano, set up a tent, mow the lawn, establish a pond and raise Koi, drive the family’s horse trailer so her daughters could participate in shows, and the list goes on.

Throughout her life, Norma was gracious, kind and always greeted everyone with her wonderful smile. She was a role model for lifelong participation in sport, playing competitive badminton, golf and tennis. The latter two she continued playing well into her 80’s. She was an avid walker and enjoyed exploring the trails and pathways around her home. She kept up her walking into her 91st year and was extremely proud of the recovery she made after fracturing her hip in 2020.

Norma loved to travel and always enjoyed heading off somewhere warm where she could golf. She also enjoyed accompanying Bill when his work took him abroad. In Japan she ingratiated herself with their hosts as she loved sushi and ate everything presented to her even if it was still moving. Together in their retirement, Norma and Bill travelled the world and enjoyed trips in the UK, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, and Europe.

During their final few years, Norma and Bill settled into the Amica White Rock community where they made new friends and enjoyed a variety of in-house activities and events. Norma eventually grew to love participating in daily fitness classes and even tried her hand at crafts. Our family would like to acknowledge with sincere gratitude the loving, dedicated and compassionate care and support Norma received in her home at Amica. Every team – concierge, kitchen, dining room, housekeeping, life enrichment, and wellness – contributed significantly to her enjoyment and well-being.

A private family celebration of life has been held and anyone who knew Norma is encouraged to share their stories and memories below.