April 16, 1928 - May 28, 2024
In loving memory ~
After a gracious life fulfilling the needs of family and friends, the matriarch of the Norrish clan passed away at the age of 96 years young while in the care and comfort provided by the staff of Shuswap Lake Regional Hospital. One of thirteen siblings, Bertha (Mom) was born in Holbein, Saskatchewan but left as a 19-year-old teenager looking for work in the Fraser Valley. She not only found gainful employment on the berry farms, but also a beau, Ron Norrish, who was to become her lifelong companion. They were married in 1947 and settled into life on a dairy farm in Matsqui. By and by, the boy babies started to arrive, five in all, spanning a period of twelve years. Parents and brood moved to Hatzic, eventually to Summerland in 1964, followed by retirement to Salmon Arm in 2007. Bertha was predeceased by her husband Ron in 2017 after 69 years of marriage. On her own for the first time, she moved into Piccadilly Terrace Retirement Residence, a decision she often referred to as "the best".
All who met Bertha were taken by her friendly disposition and agreeable personality. She was a terrific cook, so much so that in Summerland she became known as the "pie lady" for the treats she offered for sale at the weekly Farmer's market. Upon moving to Salmon Arm, she surprised the local pie-baking community by winning the annual charity event for the best apple pie .... at the age of 92 years! As good as she was at baking, she was even better at Texas hold'em, regularly winning poker pots from grandsons, granddaughters and their unsuspecting friends at family events. The adage became "Grandma doesn't bluff" so be careful if you bet against her.
Bertha is survived by sons (spouses) Kevin, Dave (Loraine), Don, Gerry (Heather) and Norm (Heather), eleven grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren, all of whom will miss her warmth and generosity. After all the mischief her sons got into, there is no doubt the saying "there is a special place in Heaven for the Mother of five boys" was meant for our dear Mom.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date this spring or early summer. In lieu of flowers, Bertha would prefer donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.bowersfuneralservice.com.
Bowers Funeral Service
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