Norma Adeline Martin

September 1, 1924 - April 14, 2023
In loving memory ~
Norma died peacefully on April 14 surrounded by family. Norma and her six lively siblings were raised by loving parents Henry and Inga Levang on the family farm near Edberg, AB. This formed the foundation that held her in good stead throughout her life. She left home and followed her dream of becoming a teacher. Many family members received an early education round the kitchen table as she practised her skill. Her teaching career began in Red Willow, where she met Don and they started their married life together in Carbon, followed by a move to Red Deer as the children appeared regularly. Her career, put on hold for children, resumed till her retirement. She was a life-long learner.
A source of joy for her were her grandchildren John and Jennifer; Jesse, Mark and Jenna; Mahalia; Erik; Alex and Colin; and thirteen great-grandchildren. Norma felt blessed to be part of all their lives. She enjoyed all her nieces, nephews and cousins and loved nothing better than a large family gathering.
She was a devoted citizen of Red Deer and a proud Canadian. She loved her church community and was involved in many volunteer projects, forming close friendships and cultivating a life of service based on her Christian faith. She made many good friends in neighbours, colleagues and choir mates. Her sisters remained best of friends and they wrote letters until the end. She said she liked a good letter sometimes better than a visit.
Mum was able to live in her home until her 97th year and was grateful for the community who supported her with this. Even as she aged, her openness to new ideas and new people meant that she moved with the times. Her last year spent in a wheelchair presented significant challenges and she met this challenge with courage and God's grace; always with expressions of gratitude and "God Bless You".
She is survived by her four children: Darryl (Leith), Marilyn (David), Monica (Larry), and Craig (Kathy); three brothers Brian (Maxine), Ronnie (Coral) and Gordy (Donna). She was predeceased by her son David; ex-husband Don; her parents; as well as her brother Gerald (Velna) and sisters Helen (Walter) and Loreen (Henry).
A memorial service to celebrate Norma's life will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 11:00 am at Gaetz United Church in Red Deer. Lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Gaetz United Church Memorial Fund gratefully accepted.