Noreen Schmitt

We wish to announce that our dearest Noreen has taken the next step on her journey, sadly leaving a multitude of loved ones behind.  After a long (she was a fighter!) and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, Noreen said her goodbyes and left peacefully on June 2nd.

Noreen has been a resident of White Rock since 1965, where she enjoyed her seaside life to the fullest.  The majority of her career (30 years) was spent at Air Canada, where she rose from becoming the first female spray painter of planes to the head of the maintenance shop.  She cared greatly for her fellow workers and hence became shop steward for her union where she continued to occupy various positions with the union for many years.  Noreen also became very involved with the NDP party as she was drawn to their advocacy of human rights and freedoms, positions against inequality for women, and their stand for environmental protection.   She cared for and nurtured all things that came her way, from flowers to birds to animals to people.

You could always find a throng of needy creatures around her, as her compassionate and giving spirit drew them.  Noreen’s strong love of family also led her to become our large clan’s genealogy expert, with many exciting historical facts uncovered.

Noreen also loved the outdoors, enjoying hiking, swimming in the ocean and spending time at her wilderness cabin.  Her real passion was gardening, which she pursued after retirement by graduating from Horticulture from Kwantlen University with honours, which was no surprise.  Her garden rivalled Butchart’s with exuberant local plants and exotics that no-one else has grown in the area.  She also had an adventuresome spirit, which led to worldwide travels throughout many faraway lands.  Noreen did not shrink from anything, be it travel in areas past many people’s comfort zones, to helping someone truly down on their luck.

Noreen leaves loving memories to be cherished by many including her husband Jim Ziegler; children Danny, Faye, Patty, Mike and Laura; four brothers, four sisters and eight grandchildren.  It was hard for us to let her go, but we believe her unique spirit was needed elsewhere.  When enjoying a flower she wanted us to think of her, as they brought such joy to her life.  We are sure her mother Winnifred was waiting with open arms for her “flowersy girl”.

In memory of Noreen, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society for pancreatic cancer would be greatly appreciated. 

You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.

A celebration of Noreen’s life will be held on Saturday June 15th from noon to three at the Pacific Inn, 1160 King George Blvd., White Rock.