Norma Isabel Olson
August 31st, 2023
OLSON, Norma Isabel. April 7,1936 to August 31,2023
It is with heavy hearts and sadness that we announce the passing of our darling mom and grandma at Fort Langley Seniors Community Centre after a long and very difficult journey with Alzheimer’s.
Kind, gentle, loving, smart, genuine, compassionate, generous, strong, courageous, funny, and quirky. She had the biggest heart and most beautiful smile and was loved by everyone who knew her. Along with raising a family, she also worked part-time for 30 years at Sears catalogue and received many customer service awards because of her happy go lucky personality. She was a loving wife, and a amazing mama and grandma. She was our rock, and we are thankful for all the happy memories she left us prior to Alzheimer’s coming into our lives. Her family was always her priority. The strength of her love was always felt, and we loved her equally as much. Being a grandma to her 3 cherished grandsons brought her much joy and she showered them with love and happy memories as only a grandma like her could do. She was so special and truly one in a million.
Norma also loved country music, dancing, going for walks and coffee with her friends, casinos including Vegas, sunny destinations like Mexico and Hawaii, animals, playing cards and crib and keeping active. Christmas was her favorite time of the year, and we will always remember the excitement she got when there was a chance of snow.
Norma is survived by her children, Cheryl, Arlene (Paul) and Blair who absolutely loved and adored her and were with her through every step of this long and painful journey of Alzheimer’s, and her much loved grandsons, Travis (Vicki), Shane (Regan) and Brandon, and her precious great-grandsons Caleb and Jayce who she would have loved both so dearly, but sadly were born after mom’s condition had already advanced. She also leaves behind her loving sister Doris Fraser, many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends throughout Canada and the USA.
She was predeceased by her one and only, much loved husband of 50 years Monte in 2007, her parents Stanley and Isabel Hill, and brothers Howard, Earl, Clifford, Gerald, Garfield, Cecil, and sister Lorraine. As well nieces Carol, Elaine and Brenda and nephews Brian, Wayne, and David.
A Celebration of Norma’s life will take place at a later date, to be announced.
Our mom is now free from the pain and suffering of this dreadful disease and knowing this provides our family with some comfort.. Go dance with the angel’s mommy. Heaven is lucky to have you. You are so loved and will never be forgotten. Until we are all together again….
Messages:
Cheryl, Arlene and Blair, I’ve been trying to come up with some words of comfort and realize there are none that would do justice for the amazing kind hearted mom you have all been so lucky to have had and lost both recently and so many years ago. I hope you all can spend time on a daily basis reflecting those cherished moments of laughter and love. Thinking of you at this time xo
Dear Cheryl, Arlene and Bruce At first when I saw your mom's smile in the newspaper I smiled too. I would know that smile anywhere. But then I felt sad realizing that I was seeing it as part of her obituary and knowing she had passed. Your mom and I spent many happy hours together mainly going for long walks and jabbering about our woes, etc. We had many laughs and I remember one story about how Blackie the crow would clean Red's teeth. Arlene I don't know if you remember it was so long ago but you babysat my two wee daughters when we moved into the neighborhood across from your home on 72nd Avenue. Sadly your mom and I lost touch when she moved from our neighborhood as life got in the way for both of us but I've always thought fondly of her. I send fond condolences to all of you and wish for you that your memories of times spent with your mom will in time hold you all in good stead. She was a bright light and so very proud of all of you. Sincerely Carol Lemieux
To the Olson family. I was very sad to learn that Norma has left us. I thought about her over the last few years; especially when I hear a Charlie Pride song, he was one of her favorites. Norma was kind and caring, and yes, she had a beautiful smile. She will be sorely missed by all who all who knew her. Deepest sympathy. Pat BRECHIN.