In memory of

Irene Norma Hirst

May 13, 1939 -  December 13, 2018

Passed away at Lakeridge Health Oshawa on Thursday December 13th, 2018 at the age of 79. Predeceased by her husband William Hirst (2004). Cherished mother of Jonathan and his wife Melissa (Colven) Leduc County Alberta. Much loved Lala of Sophie and Nathan. Survived by her brother George Robert Johnson and his wife Dorothy of Louth, Lincolnshire, England. Loving aunt of Deborah, Suzanne (Jonathan), Darren (Michelle), Nigel, Stuart, and Louise, Great Auntie to Harry and Evelyn, Steph, Vanessa and Mark. Celebration of Life at THORNTON FUNERAL CENTRE , 1200 Thornton Rd N, Oshawa, ON on Saturday January 5th from 12:00 Noon until 2:00pm.

A friend for life, Norma's quick smile and infectious laughter was a treasure that will be missed by her friends from her hometown of Rotherham Yorkshire, England, to Deep River, Kincardine, and Oshawa, Ontario. From Lambretta Scooters to motoring exploits with MGs and Motor Racing, Norma's spirit of adventure was a never ending source of inspiration and amusement for those that loved her.

Norma was an active and enthusiastic member of the Oshawa YMCA and rarely missed her early morning Aquafit. Similarly she enjoyed golfing at Pebblestone, bowling at Nebs Funworld, or playing bridge at the North Oshawa Seniors Centre. She loved fine cinema and cherished her participation with Cinechats for over a decade. Lastly, Norma had a wanderlust that took her to destinations around the world. Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and her beloved New Zealand, were all stamped in her well worn passport.

Donations to Lakeridge Health Oshawa in lieu of flowers would be appreciated.

Guestbook 

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Daphne Duffy (Friend)

Entered December 14, 2018 from Courtice, ON.

Norma was an amazing and a true lady, she loved people, and was an inspiration to all her friends, she loved life. I love you Norma and will miss you at the YMCA. you friend Daphne . RIP my sweet Norma XXXOOO

Laura clubine 

Entered December 16, 2018 from Brantford

Jonathan Melissa and family. My deepest condolences. Hugs to everyone Thinking if you at this time

Kim Baker (Friend)

Entered December 16, 2018 from Uxbridge

Such sad news. As a dear friend of Jonathan’s I remember great chats with Mrs Hurst in the kitchen and any where we’d happen to meet up. She was a wonderful woman with great compassion and an endless capacity for listening. I will fondly remember her smile and the interest she took in us - her Jono’s friends.
My condolences Jon, Melissa and family.

John Arkelian (A friend from the Cinechats Film Program)

Entered December 17, 2018 from Durham Region, Canada

Irene Norma Hirst passed away on Thursday, December 13th after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer over the past few months. Norma was a sweet, bright, and lovely lady – and a steadfast presence at Cinechats for most of its fourteen year long existence. Quick to smile, always ready to share a laugh, and never without a wonderful twinkle in her eyes, Norma was my friend, even though our contact was mostly confined to encounters at our weekly film screenings and at the library’s biannual book-sales. Mere hours before her passing, Norma sent me an email commenting on some colloquial expressions I came across in books by Harry Leslie Smith, a Canadian writer from the north of England (which Norma, too, had once called home). A seasoned traveler, who was ever-curious about the wide world, Norma wryly remarked that although she knew the terms, they had rarely passed her lips – being vernacular expressions, rather than the Queen’s own English which Norma spoke so well. Nevertheless, I’ll employ one of those words now, to say how “chuffed” [sublimely pleased and proud] I am to have known Norma and to have been her friend.

John Arkelian
Cinechats Film Program
Ontario, Canada
December 17, 2018

Dawn Bartlett (Bowling friend)

Entered December 17, 2018 from Oshawa

Norma you will be greatly missed.

Photos 

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