Obituary of Norma Quinn

Norma Quinn (January 20, 1924 … September 27, 2017) died suddenly in her 94th year. Long ago, when death was only a remote thought, Norma expressed the view that it would be so tidy if, when the time came, she could simply go to sleep some night and not awaken. Effectively, that is what happened. Gregarious one day. Gone the next. She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Quinn, a Royal Canadian Air Force veteran (who died in 2003 at the age of 90). She is survived by her children, The Hon. Joseph W. Quinn (Jacquelyn), Nina Quinn, Colleen Quinn (Shawn Klink), Darlene Stopard (Tomm), Wendy Quinn (David Desjarlais) and grandchildren, Zoë Quinn-Phillips, Jessica Stopard and Rachel Stopard. Norma was a selflessly devoted mother. Despite constrained finances, she was able to spoil five children. She faced every challenge with stoicism and without complaint, traits which her children failed to inherit (they voted unanimously on the issue). Her work ethic could be described, but not matched. She was modest about her skills. She was a gifted pianist who could play any piece after hearing it but once, yet would go years without touching a piano. She took up golf in her 50s, began cross-country skiing in her 60s and routinely swam 100 laps in a dear neighbour’s swimming pool in her 70s. When 85 she read the Harry Potter series of books to find out what all of the fuss was about. At the age of 90 she was seen pricing skateboards in a catalogue.Yet, it is likely that she will be best remembered by her family for the unrelenting grace and consistently good humour she displayed while the aging process had its way with her. The family is profoundly grateful to Tabor Manor for providing Norma with a home for almost five years where she was comfortable, happy, free of worry and appreciative. Cremation has occurred and Norma’s ashes will be taken to Prince Edward Island where her life’s journey began.