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Norma Baker

Image by Nick Andréka

NORMA JOYCE BAKER

November 11, 1942 – May 30, 2024

With heavy hearts, we announce that Norma passed away on May 30th in St. Boniface Hospital at the age of 81.


She is survived by her children Emily, Doug, and Keith (Sabrina); grandchildren David, Bre, Michelle (Steven), Artemis, Danielle, Ashley (Peter), Victoria, Nicole; siblings Gladys and her children, Charlie, Laura, and David (Anja); Arlene and her children, Carrie and Lamont; and ex-husband Bill (Laura). She is predeceased by her three brothers, Robert, Keith, and Harvey.


Norma was the eldest daughter of Frieda & Evan Beveridge of their six children. She met her ex-husband Bill Baker in University and quickly became the best of friends and having their first child when she was 20 years old. They had 3 beautiful children together before separating. 


Once the children were old enough, Norma went back to work and soon after got a job as a library technician at the University of Winnipeg. To quote her, “I really like to organize things, so it seemed like a good fit!” Soon after she started working at the UofW library she went back to school after hours completing both a Library Technician course at Red River along with the requirements to complete her Bachelor of Arts. We were so proud to be at her Graduation!  


While all this was going on, she volunteered with the cub group being run out of the church – the cub group needed leaders so it wouldn’t close and she wanted to help so her sons could attend. This led to many happy times not only with the cub pack meetings but the training sessions, outings and camping trips over the years, long after her own kids had stopped going.


Norma worked many years at the U of W library, often walking to work from Norwood. She took advantage of an early retirement in 1997 and turned her attention to volunteering at the Church. Norma was a dedicated member of first Norwood United Church, then St. Mary’s Road United Church. From baking bread and helping organize communion, helping with Sunday School classes, volunteering for foodbank, to the book club, Norma could often be found at the church in her spare time. She also took time to travel with her sisters as much as they could, travelling to several special locations across Canada such as Drumheller and Haida Gwaii, as well as her favourite, travelling to the mountains. 


At the age of 79, Norma was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Dementia and moved into Riverwood Square. There, she touched many hearts in her final years. She was never late for a meal as she adored the food, and dutifully attended exercise class each morning. Her favourite activity was attending the hymn sing on Sundays or any of the numerous musical activities they have. She was always kind to the staff and gave every person she saw a big smile. Even in her final days, she was quick to hum along to any song that was on or give a big smile to any of her many visitors. We will miss her dearly.


A celebration of her life will be held 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 613 St. Mary’s Road (St. Mary’s Road United Church). As Norma had a strong dislike for the colour Black, we invite anyone wishing to attend to wear their favourite brightest colours in her honour. 


In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her honour to your favourite charity (her personal favourites were the Alzheimer's Society and Siloam Mission).


Norma’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Kathy Comberbach

July 31, 2024 at 7:24 PM

I lived with Norma for 6 years and became very good friends. As life would go on we lost touch, And I am greatly saddened to find out her passing she will be missed as a good friend

Heather Malazdrewicz - Riverwood Square.

June 27, 2024 at 8:56 AM

We were lucky to have Norma as a resident at Riverwood Square! She will be deeply missed. We will not only miss Norma but her lovely family as well.

Louise Dahle

June 22, 2024 at 10:04 AM

Norma and I were part of the bread baking group at SMRUC for many years before she became the leader of the group for several years. We would bake bread for monthly communion, all the while talking, reminiscing and getting to know each other. Norma was a big part of the church and will truly be missed. May God be with you till we meet again.

Popham Sandy

June 21, 2024 at 7:01 PM

Norma has been a dear close friend of mine for many years and she used to come to my home and pick the rhubarb in my garden and make wonderful rhubarb crisps for me. We did many things together and I will miss her so much but I have many pictures of her and I will always remember her smile and her singing.

DEATH CARE SERVICES OF WINNIPEG INC.  Copyright 2019

Ethical Death Care (Death Care Services Inc.) is privately, independently, and locally owned. Shane Neufeld and the original team of Integrity Death Care own and manage this organisation.

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