Norma Smith

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Norma Jean Smith, age 75, on November 12, 2024. Norma is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Dick, her daughter, Julianne, and son-in-law, Todd, and grandchildren Morgan and Kate, all of Blenheim. She is also survived by her three siblings – Katharine Watt (Hugh) of Listowel, Bill Dryden (Dawn) of Nanaimo, BC and Betty Fitzsimmons (Dorne) of Tiverton, as well as her extended Smith family – Diana, Linda, Helen, Ab, Jan, Patricia, Jean and Carol, along with several nieces and nephews. Norma is predeceased by her parents, Norman and Elma Dryden, her in-laws Nathan and Neva Smith and by many other special angels.

Norma was born and raised on the family farm in Paisley, Ontario. She attended high school in Walkerton before moving away to get her degree at the University of Waterloo. It was during this time that Norma met Dick and consequently, the group of people who would become the greatest of lifelong friends.

Norma and Dick married in 1973 and settled in Blenheim. Norma began her career at the Southwest Regional Centre and soon after, found her professional calling through teaching in the DSW program at St Clair College in Chatham. She was an incredible asset to the program for a long period of time, and a strong advocate of people with disabilities.

Norma was also an active member of the community, volunteering for endless causes over the years. She sat on the steering committee when the Special Olympics came to town, worked in the CKHA gift shop, at the food bank and enthusiastically organized “Santa’s Secret Shop” as part of the Festival of Trees event, among other pursuits. Her most treasured role, however, was dedicated mother to Julianne. If you knew Norma, you knew her world centered on her daughter. She was always there to help, encourage, listen and show love to Julianne, while graciously extending that same caring manner to the many others who walked through her door.

In their retirement years, Norma and Dick traveled extensively. They were lucky to have seen so much together and lucky to have shared those experiences with friends old and new. Norma was especially fond of Longboat Key, FL where the winters weren’t so cold and the people were some of the best. While travel held a special place in both of their hearts, nothing compared to home. Erie Beach is an incredibly special community and Norma was so proud to be a part of it for 45 years.

Norma loved Christmas, baking elaborate birthday cakes and a good Pinot. In fact, she loved celebrating any and every special occasion and accomplishment with her family and friends. She thrived in the role of hostess, was a keen participant in the Four Thirsty Club and an original member of the Beavers. She was immensely creative and the most thoughtful of gift givers. Norma was a cheerleader for her kids and grandkids in everything they did (sometimes with pom poms..) and took her role as Grandmama very seriously. She could always be counted on to infuse fun and imagination into her adventures with Morgan and Kate, albeit with good manners of course. She loved her people fiercely and felt that love back from so many. Her presence will be deeply missed, but we know for certain her legacy and spirit will shine on in us.

Visitation will be held at Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday, November 16th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Willow Ridge Golf & Country Club on Sunday, November 17th from 11am to 2pm with remarks at 11:30am and luncheon to follow. We encourage attendees to wear holiday attire, or accessorize with a little Christmas sparkle, in honour of Norma.

We would like to thank Dr. Clendenning, Mary Beth Cadotte, Dr. Bailey and the staff of the Chatham Kent Hospice for their exceptional care. We would also like to thank our family and dear friends for their endless support and kindness through Norma’s battle with Parkinson’s. If you choose to make a donation in Norma’s memory, please consider Chatham Kent Hospice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/ or Blenheim Medical Health Foundation https://blenheimhealthhub.com/donate/ .