Norma died peacefully at her home at the age of 96. She was surrounded with love.

If Norma was telling her own story, she would say that she was born on her family farm near Kingston (ON), on the Isle of Man Road. She enjoyed a happy childhood with her parents, Joe and Jessie Duffe, her sisters Florence and Joan, and her brother Allan. Her experiences growing up on the farm provided memories that brought her joy in her final years.

Norma met the love of her life, Don, while working as a nurse at a summer camp. They got married in 1956, and after a few years of living in Toronto, New York and London, they settled in Don Mills.

Norma would say how lucky she was to have her family. With Don, she was a proud and supportive mother to Anne (Mike), Linda (Ian), Ian, and David (Shirley). She took great joy in her grandchildren: Colin, Garth, Devin, Jake, Natalie, Graham and Tess, and then as a great-grandmother to Beatrice, James, and Theo.

The joy Norma got from volunteering, and giving to others, impacted so many people. Her energy, curiosity, kindness and generosity were experienced by friends, neighbours and the many people she met throughout her life.

Special thanks to Jesa Llaguno and Bella Angeles, her loving caregivers, during her final years. We are also grateful for the caring support from the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care team.

Dementia impacted Norma’s memory, but it did not take her positive, independent and kind spirit. She continued to marvel at the beauty of nature and the wonderful people she met in her life. We are so lucky to have had Norma in our lives.

An act of kindness in her memory would be a perfect gift.

A celebration of life, followed by a reception, will be held on October 8, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at Donway Covenant United Church, 230 The Donway. Doors open at 10:00 for anyone wishing to visit beforehand.