MRS. NORMA JOY GILBERT
1927 - 2012
Mrs. Norma Joy Gilbert a lifelong resident of Stettler, passed away peacefully at Pine Ridge long term care on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at the age of 84 years. Norma was the only daughter of Pete and Marie Koss. Growing up in a rural farming community, she attended the one room Kindergarden School with her three brothers, Ivan, Harvey and Dean. Upon finishing school, Norma took a job in Stettler. It was while in town at a dance that Norma met the love of her life Roy Edward Gilbert. Norma and Roy were married on September 24, 1948. The couple settled in Stettler where they raised their three children; Gary, Pat and Jackie. Norma loved to cook and bake especially cinnamon buns, lemon meringue pie and made the best gingerbread cookies ever. In her yard in Stettler she always had the most beautiful flower gardens and was very well known for her sweet peas. Roy and Norma were very active in the community. They loved to curl and would attend and support many community functions together. Norma was a part of the Ladies Auxiliary and the Royal Purple and of course the Legion. The family spent their summers at the lake where Norma enjoyed swimming, fishing and of course on the hot days a nice cold Lethbridge Beer. Her fear of mice stems from their many days spent at the cabin. The family would gather together every Sunday and play crib and many other games and this tradition carried on until her passing. Norma was very proud of her family and loved them all very much. As her children grew, her son Gary went off to pursue his hockey career and so began Norma's passion for the game and of course her favorite team was the Calgary Flames. She also spent many hours watching baseball and football on TV. Norma's first grandchild Cory was born in March of 1974. Soon after this blessing, Norma and her family suffered a tragic loss with the death of her husband Roy in November of that same year. As time went on, Norma was blessed to welcome her next grandson Wade in 1978 then Michael in 1980, Janine in 1981, Rochelle in 1982 and Lareina in 1985. Norma lived for her family and grandchildren and spent many very enjoyable years watching them grow. Each and every one of them held a very special place in her heart. Two of the most memorable moments in Norma's life were when her nephew Donald took her to first Calgary Flames game, and when she got to attend the Calgary stampede with her daughters, as Rodeos and the Chuck wagons were one of her most favourite things. Norma was a very special woman and will be missed by all who knew her. Norma leaves to cherish her memory her loving daughters Pat (Art) Garrett of Millet, Alberta and Jackie (Murray) Anderson of Erskine, Alberta. Grandchildren, Cory (Erin) Russell, Wade (Wendy) Russell, Mike Garrett (Cheryl), Rochelle Garrett (Jody), Janine Anderson and Lareina Anderson as well as five great granddaughters and brother Dean (Shirley) Koss of Camrose. As well as brother in law, Ray (Dorothy) Gilbert of Calgary, Alberta; sister in Law, Eileen Gilbert of Stetttler, Alberta and Bizz (Jean) Gilbert of Rochon Sands, Alberta. Norma is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Peter and Marie Koss; husband, Roy Gilbert; son, Gary Gilbert and two brothers, Ivan and Harvey. A funeral service was held at the Brennen Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at 1:00 P.M. with the Rev. David Denholm officiating. As an expression of sympathy and in loving memory of Norma, memorial contributions may be made to the Kidney Foundation or to the Stettler Health Services Foundation - Pine Ridge in care of Brennen Funeral Home and Cremation Services P.O. Box 193 Stettler, Alberta TOC 2LO, who have been entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. 403.742.3315.
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