Norma Gladys (Wilson) McInnis, 88, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at the Aberdeen Hospital surrounded by the love of her family. Born in Thorburn, NS on June 3, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Mary (Dwyer) Wilson.
Norma graduated from Trenton High School in 1951, travelled to Boston to study to be a teacher at the College of the Nazarene, from where she graduated in 1956. After her marriage to Collie and the birth of their two oldest children, the family moved to Toronto where Norma worked as a supervisor at General Electric. Their two youngest children were born in Toronto. Norma enjoyed these years on Gladstone Avenue and spoke often of them throughout her life. She and her family then returned to Nova Scotia where she began her long career as a teacher in the Trenton Schools. Norma was a strong advocate as union representative with the Nova Scotia’s Teachers Union for many years. During her career, she completed her Master’s Degree in Education through Mount St. Vincent University, retiring from Pictou District School Board in 1993.
Norma had a strong passion for travel, embarking on many adventures throughout her life. Anyone who knew her, knew that she was always planning her next trip and it was through this passion she achieved her lifelong dream of visiting every continent.
Norma spent many happy years with her husband, Collie, at their retirement home in Stormont, NS, overlooking the water which she always loved. She enjoyed regular visits with her children, grandchildren and many friends and family. Norma was also an avid sports fan, especially passionate about curling and hockey. She was a member of the Stellar Curling Club for many years and a lifelong Toronto Maple Leafs fan, ever since hearing her first game on the radio at age five. She was also an enthusiastic competitor at her regular Saturday night card games. Norma’s infectious laughter, great sense of humour, keen mind and heart of kindness will be missed by all who loved and knew her.
Norma is survived by her husband of 61 years, Colin "Collie" McInnis; her children, Dorothy (Diane) Kelowna, BC, Roddy (Wendy) Trenton, NS, Colleen (David), Trenton, NS and John (Denise) Trenton, NS. She was very proud Nanny to her grandchildren, Colin (Robyn), St. John’s, NL, Kelsey, Halifax, Sean, Trenton and Edison, Toronto, ON. Also surviving are sisters-in-law, Mildred Connell, Rena Jenkins and Collette McInnis; and brother-in-law, Sylvester "Bet" (Marnie) McInnis; and many nieces and nephews
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by sisters, Georgina "Georgie" Somers, Margaret Louise Fraser and special chosen sister, Florence MacDougall.
Our heartfelt thanks to the Aberdeen Palliative Care nursing staff and doctors who took care and kept Mom comfortable in her final days.
Care has been entrusted to R.H. Porter Funeral Home. A private service will take place at 2pm Saturday, July 31.
Donations in Norma’s memory may be made to the Sandra Schmirler Foundation or Aberdeen Hospital Palliative Care.