EMMA ERNA NORRIS

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

EMMA ERNA NORRIS Peacefully, and with God's grace, Emma Erna Norris (nee Mehmel) entered paradise on May 29, 2015. Emma was born 1914 in Winnipeg to Ewald and Philippina Mehmel. Her greatest joy was reminiscing about her childhood - chasing tadpoles amongst the cattails in the ditch...and the sparkling delight of Christmas at the family home on Tweed Avenue. She was a shy, curious and determined little girl, characteristics displayed throughout her life. As a young woman her accomplishments were many: she was an avid swimmer at YWCA, exceptional seamstress, produced fine needlepoint and played piano. Her clear, sweet voice was appreciated in St. Paul's Lutheran Church Choir. She was vivacious as Miss Gay and Romantic Mexico' in the Parade of Nations Pageant at the German Club where her family were long-standing members. Her years with the German Club dancing and singing remained as if just yesterday in her memory. But her coming of age' event was a trip to the Chicago World's Fair in 1933. Emma earned a Certificate in Home Nursing and another one in business services. She worked for Public Press, Quinton's Cleaners and Eaton's Catalog (until its closing in 1976) and finally for the Federal Government Grain Commission until her retirement. It was during her time at Eaton's that she met her future husband Bill Norris. At age 36, she married Bill and along with his two children formed a family. She and Bill had one child to whom she was deeply devoted. Her closeness with her family and in particular her beloved sister Elsie would be a balm in the untimely passing of Bill in 1973. She joined the Oddfellows and Rebecca's Lodge and was given the honour of serving as Noble Grand; she made two trips to Europe and traveled by train across Western Canada. Even in her 80s and 90s, she was always eager to travel to the US to attend functions and visit with her daughter. At home, she spent many happy hours in her garden with her dear poodle Peppy'. Well into their 90s, Elsie and Emma arm in arm in matching mink were a fixture at Winnipeg malls. Emma and her sister got their first apartments right next to each other at Cathedrale Manor in 2007. Two precious years at the manor, and Emma was once more alone with the passing of her sister. But the love and comfort of others at the manor had her blossoming in her late 90s and each birthday was a shared celebration. Her tiny figure warmed by the fireplace...her sunshiny smile at every exchange...her happy singing - these will remain treasured memories. Predeceased by her parents Ewald and Philippina Mehmel, brothers Herman, Rudy, Vincent and infant brother Paul, sister Elsie, and husband William (Bill) Norris, Emma leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter Carla Norris-Raynbird, grandchildren Gregory and Andria Raynbird, and her sister Helen Mehmel. She will also be sadly missed by Kerby Smiley (Gord) and Barrie Norris (Dorothy), and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and her friends at Cathedrale Manor. A funeral service will take place on Thursday, June 11, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Cathedrale Manor Chapel, 321 Avenue de la Cathedrale in St. Boniface with a viewing at 1:00 p.m. The family wishes to thank Cathedrale Manor personnel (in particular Rhonda Brown) for their kindness and devotion to Emma. In lieu of flowers, donations in Emma's memory may be made to the Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter or the Winnipeg Humane Society. Ich bin klein, Mein Herz ist rein Darf niemand drin wohnen als Jesus allein. "Sing with the Angels Mom - Ich liebe dich" NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

Make a donation to

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 06, 2015