Peacefully at Parkwood Hospital, London on Friday, January 29, 2016. Loving wife of the late Robert Skillen. Predeceased by her parents Rev. William and Mary Dunbar. Survived by her cousins Noel (Rita), John (Maureen), May (Eddie), Mandy, Bill (Issie) and Susan (Tommy). Predeceased by cousin Harry (Helen).
“Aunt Norma” will be sadly missed by Daniel (Hyun Jung), Matthew (Claire), Lara, Bryson, Brandon, Janet (Jonathon), Raymond (Nathalie), Geoffrey (Julie), Andrew (Carol), Shirley, Martha (Tony), Sofie (Otto), Bela (Barbara) and by her nephews and nieces in Northern Ireland: Clifford, Johanna, Heather, Rosemary, Trevor and Jennifer.
Norma enjoyed a wonderfully long career in education both as a Grade One Teacher and as a Primary Consultant with the London Board of Education. She was recognized by the Retired Teachers of Ontario for years of service to education.
Norma was a gifted story-teller and writer. She published several books of poems, children’s songs and stories.
She was extremely proud of her Irish heritage and reminisced fondly of trips to the Emerald Isle. Goderich, Ont., where Norma lived during the War Years, always remained near and dear to her heart.
Norma delighted in hosting parties for families and friends. Her New Year’s celebrations are legendary. Her love of sports, especially hockey, never deserted her – Go, Leafs, Go!
Special thanks to Dr. Hammond, Norma’s beloved Family Physician, the Staff at Parkwood and family, friends and neighbours who worked together to care for Norma during her illness.
Visitation will take place at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 189 Main Street, Lucan on Wednesday, February 3rd from 10 – 11 AM where the funeral service will follow at 11 AM, The Rev. Matthew Martin officiating. Interment at Woodland Cemetery, London.
Memorial donations to Holy Trinity would be appreciated as your expression of sympathy. Arrangements entrusted Haskett Funeral Home, Lucan. Share a memory at www.haskettfh.com.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
The Thompson Family, Nova Scotia
Our sympathies to the Dunbar and Skillen families on the passing of Norma. She was a special friend of our brother and uncle, Wallace Thompson. After he was killed in the Second World War, she maintained a close connection with his family in Pictou County, Nova Scotia through letters, visits and Christmas and birthday gifts.
She has remained an important member of our family, even though many of us ….especially the younger generations…. never met her. It has been tradition to send a large dark fruitcake to Norma from the family every Christmas. This cake was made with love by Wally’s mother and then his sister. This year it was made by Wally’s grand niece, Brenna.
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you all.
Mary Bagnall Dietz
The family of the late Frank Bagnall offers our sympathy on the passing of Norma. “Miss Dunbar” was Mary’s beloved and inspiring Grade One teacher and dear friend and colleague of Frank and his wife Pauline at Victoria Public School. Norma’s accomplishments as an educator were many and she will be dearly missed, as well, by her family and friends. Our kind regards go to Noel and family. Sincerely, Mary Bagnall Dietz and Pauline Bagnall, Sarnia, Ontario and Peter and Paul Bagnall, Edmonton, Alberta
Michael Bennett
Michael Bennett (m
(May Martin of Newtownbreda Belfast Northern Ireland
Best wishes to everyone at very sad time
Ross Spettigue
Norma reflected the very best of the teaching profession. As an elementary school teacher and as a primary consultant, there were few who were her equal. As a long-time neighbour on iroquois Ave. she was a wonder friend to my parents. I owe so much to Norma. It was she who encouraged me to enter the teaching profession and I shall always be in her debt. Norma was at once kind, caring, feisty, perceptive, loyal, and so many more words which clearly describe a superlative individual. To know Norma was to love Norma. To all of her family, please know that I share in your loss, at the same time rejoicing that Norma was such a large part of my life.
Ross Spettigue
Windsor, ON
Christine and Richard Dearman
Our thoughts and condolences to Rita, Noel, and the entire family. Am glad I met Norma and spent pleasant times with her while visiting in London. Warmest sympathies, Christine and Richard
Chris and Lynn Skillen
Norma was passionate and caring and was a great partner for my father Robert Skillen she made his life better than can be imagined.
She will be missed. Our loss, heavens gain.
Mary Vernon
My deepest sympathy to all of Norma’s family! You were there with her right to the end.
I was pleased that I was able to see her this past week and that she recognized me and we had a short but happy visit. My thoughts and prayers are with you all
Mary Vernon.
Carolynn Carpenter
So much love for Norma :) I remember visiting her home (from Australia) when we were just kids- playing in the backyard and the warm hugs :) Wished we had lived closer- an ocean apart makes me sad but happy for the memories we DO have with her :) Norma is very loved by my family and especially my Mum Meredith.
Pat and Gene Cieslewicz
I remember Norma with great fondness,she was an excellent wife to my father.She welcomed my family with great love,was very supportive to our children as well.She was a great sport on our travel adventures together ,Barbados,Tonga,Samoa and Fiji.Gene and I loved attending her New Years Eve parties l.She will be missed by many.
Janet Martin
I am so sad that I can’t be there for Aunt Norma’s funeral. Unfortunately, I am traveling with work and it’s not possible to get to London on Wednesday. I am so grateful for the short visit with her a few weeks ago. I will always remember Aunt Norma for her incredible spirit.
I can also hear her voice today reading wonderful stories to my brother Ray and I as we sat on her lap when we 5 and 6 years old. Ducky Lucky, Goosey Loosely, Chicken Little, Mother Hubbard and many other great literary figures came to life for us when she read. She filled our bookshelves with Treats and Treasures.
I was sorry not to have seen more of Aunt Norma in recent years, but we did have a lovely visit this summer in London at the all you can eat Chinese Buffet. Good times….. Rest in Peace and Love Aunt Norma
Rick McManus
My deepest sympathy to the family.
I have very fond memories of “Miss Dunbar” as my Grade One Teacher at Victoria Public School (mid 50’s).
She was really a great teacher.
meredith carpenter
So kind, intelligent, and willing to give of herself to all. As my step mother..she was supposed to be wicked. I got the opposite. I loved her from the day we met. I felt like my Dad had landed on his feet when he met dear Norma. I worried no more. She listened to me as a young mother, supported me with words of inspiration, complimented me whenever she could. I valued so many of her ideas on how to raise children with confidence and love. I cherished every story she told of the little ones in the classroom. How she reached out to so many with so many different skill levels and abilities. I may not have been around for so many years having moved to Australia, however all of my children, Peter, Andrea, Carolynn and Shaun remember her wonderful home, and the feeling of being well loved and cared for when they visited. . Taking on a huge family like mine was a tremendous step for anyone. She did it with grace and great care. I loved her for making the transition a easy one during a difficult change in family . I will always love and remember Norma as a beautiful person . I am ever grateful for having her in my family. She made my father want to be a better man, who could ask for more. My thoughts and condolences to Noel ,Rita and the family during this difficult time. Much Love to you all Meredith
Kate Young
I remember my Aunt Norma fondly. When I was a little girl my Mom and I would go to her beautiful house on Iraquois Avenue and sip tea in the den with her and Aunt Mary. We always had a good laugh when Noel and Rita were around. Very good memories. We will miss her fondly. Kate Young
Melissa D.
Norma was a truly remarkable woman. I always enjoyed chatting with her, she had a great flair for description and suspense and always had that spark of humour in her eyes. My thoughts and love are with you.
Jeff Smith
To the Martin family (Matt,Dan,Lara,Rita,Noel) I am truly sorry for your loss of Aunt Norma. Many great memories of us visiting as kids and she will be missed and will never be forgotten, she was a wonderful lady and may she rest in peace.
Patricia Dlouhy
Our thoughts and prayers to the entire family. Thank you for sharing this wonderful tribute to Norma. She was a dynamic woman and I always enjoyed chatting with her. God’s blessings from Ivo and Pat Dlouhy.
Joyce Mitchell
Thinking of all the family and friends who mourn the loss of a wonderful lady. Rest in peace, Norma.
Love, Joyce
Pete, Jackie and Tracey Martens
Sorry to hear of the loss of “Aunt” Norma. She was truly a supporter of Holy Trinity, always giving a positive word and she was always very appreciative of any extras anyone did around the church. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
George Snelgrove
I am truly sadened at your loss. Very wise and hospitable woman. She often invited us to her New Years get togethers.
I mourn along with my friends the entire Martin family , who mean so much to me.
My prayers are with you.
Dave and Linda Smith
So sorry to hear of your loss. Sounds like she lead a full and happy life. Her memory and character will surely continue to shine, through those that knew her. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jackie & Bruce Jackson
Your Aunt was so very proud to share in services with you as our Priest. I will miss her wise smile. RIP Norma.
Frank and Carol Hardy
We are so sorry for your loss of someone so special . Her smile would light up a room. Love never dies. She will be with you always.