NOVAK, Norma

NOVAK, Norma M. – Norma Mae Novak (nee Halstead) of Nanaimo, was born in Lomond, Alberta on April 15, 1928, and died peacefully on October 6, 2019 at the age of 91 years. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 66 years Bill in 2016; parents, William in 1966 and Ada in 1997; her sisters Phyllis, Rita, and Fran; and brothers Ronnie, Ed (Beau), and Bob. Norma is survived by daughters Pamela Sprawson, Patricia Novak, Susan Butt (Mobashar), and Helen “Joey” Novak Lauscher (John); ten grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Norma spent much of her childhood in Gleichen, Alberta where her father was a grain buyer, and moved to Nokomis, Saskatchewan in 1942 when her folks bought the original Halstead farm. After graduation, she went to normal school and began her teaching career. One of the communities where she taught was Rhein, Saskatchewan where she met Bill in 1948. Norma and Bill were married in 1950. She taught primary school when she wasn’t at home with the kids, and earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Alberta. The family settled in Cold Lake, Alberta in 1960, where both Norma and Bill worked as educators with the Department of National Defense at Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake. Norma taught primary grades and was also a special education teacher, having post-graduate training in exceptional education from the University of Saskatchewan. Norma loved swimming and volunteered as a lifeguard and swimming instructor at the base pool. The family spent summers at their cottage on Marie Lake. In retirement, Norma and Bill moved back to Saskatchewan to be near family and her aging Mom. In the 1990s, they spent winters in the Parksville Qualicum area until they made Qualicum Beach their full-time home in 1999. They enjoyed wonderful friendships in Qualicum, and were active in the Parksville Golden Oldies Sports Association, St. Marks Anglican Church, and the Legion. In 2013, Norma and Bill moved to Origin at Longwood in Nanaimo. The family thanks the staff of Astoria Suites for their loving and kind care. A celebration of Norma’s life will be held in Saskatchewan in the spring. In lieu of flowers, you may remember Norma by donating to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, or a charity of your choice.