HELEN EDITH NORMAN

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Helen Edith Norman (née Wilkes) on July 8, 2025. 

Helen was born in Winnipeg in 1938 to Christopher Alec Wilkes and Kathleen Elizabeth Wilkes (née Pickwell). 

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Charles Norman; and her brother Keith Wilkes. She is survived by her brother Wayne Wilkes (Linda); her three children, Kathleen Darby (Peter Bowen), Melissa Kajpust (Rolfe), and Don Norman (Gordana); seven grandchildren—Daniel Kajpust (Flora Tolaj), Holly Ferreira (Phil), David Kajpust, Kendra Darby (James Landon), Brenna Darby, and Andrew DeThomas; and three great-grandchildren: Dominik Ferreira, Fallon Ferreira, and Ben Kajpust.

Helen lived a life guided by creativity, faith, and a deep love of family. She began her professional journey as a championship hairdresser and entrepreneur in Winnipeg, where she owned and operated the Broadway Beauty Bar and the Hairstyle Cottage. In 1961, she married Charles Norman, and together they dreamed of sailing the world—a plan quickly transformed by the joyful arrival of their first child.

A lifelong artist, Helen’s early drawings and paintings displayed her deep empathy and skill for capturing emotion. Her move to Victoria in the 1970s marked a turning point in her artistic journey as she began studying art at Camosun College and fell in love with working in clay. Embracing ancient terracotta techniques, Helen refused to cast her work, insisting on the originality and integrity of every piece she created.

Helen’s life took her across Canada and abroad—to Saturna Island, England, and back again—always rooted in her passion for sculpture and community. She was a founding member of what would become the Norman Art Group and a dedicated teacher and mentor to many. Her works—intensely personal and spiritually resonant—can be found in private and public collections across Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Notable commissions include works for Christ the King Church (Winnipeg), the Bethlehem Centre (Nanaimo), and a signature piece for the Winnipeg River Heritage Museum in St. Georges, Manitoba.

In her final year, Helen moved into a residence just across the street from where she was born, bringing her extraordinary life full circle. Her last sculpture—a tender hand and wrist forming the American Sign Language sign for “I love you,” bearing a scar to symbolize the love of Christ—was completed just before her passing. It was fired by her long-time collaborators at Sounding Stone and picked up by her daughters the day after her death.

Our sincerest thanks goes out to all of those who tried so desperately to revive her - the ER doctor on her way to work, the nurse from Misericordia Health Centre who ran over to assist, the beautiful Sarah from Misericordia Terrace where my mum lived, and all the first responders and ER staff at St. Boniface. You did your best, but the angels whisked her away.

A celebration of Helen’s life was held on July 12 at Misericordia Terrace in Winnipeg. She will be laid to rest in a private ceremony beside her husband Charles in the cemetery of St. Michael’s Church in Chemainus, BC, where they lived together until his passing in 2024.

Helen's legacy lives on in her art, her family, and the many lives she touched with her heart, humour, and enduring spirit.

Helen’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

​

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

​