Norma Aikenhead, 78

On Oct 4th 2010, Norma passed away peacefully at the Rainy River Hospital with family by her side.
Norma was born on April 18th 1932 near Gainsborough, Saskatchewan on the family farm to Clifford and Isabelle Shearer. She was united in marriage to Allan Aikenhead on November 30th 1950 in Treherne, Manitoba. Together they owned and operated grocery stores in Treherne and Mafeking Manitoba. In 1966 Norma and Allan settled with their family in Rainy River Ontario where Norma worked in the family business of Aikenhead’s Grocery until 2001. In her retirement she spent her time volunteering within the community and enjoying her hobbies.
She lived life to the fullest; whether she was taking care of her grandkids, family pets, gardening, ceramics, knitting, crocheting, baking or working on her beloved needlepoint. Norma also loved sports, whether it was participating in golf and curling, watching the latest sporting events on TV or keeping up with all of her grandkids sporting ventures.
She loved to cook and bake for her family, friends and the many local charities. She supplied the entire family with jams, jellys and shortbread cookies.
She was always quick to put everyone else’s needs ahead of her own.
Mom always persevered through challenges with magnificent determination and a strong work ethic.
Norma was predeceased by her husband Allan in 2003, her brother-in-law Lloyd Aikenhead and her sister-in-law Muriel Aikenhead.
She is survived by her son Murray (Joan), daughter Maureen (Jim); Grandchildren Bryan (Wendy), Meredith (Scott), Scott (Tarrah), Shane, Susan (Ross), Jackie (Andy), Rick, Trevor and Giselle; Great-grandchildren Dylan, Gracy, Austin, Caleb, Chloe, Sophia, Callum and Zander; two brothers Bill (Peggy) and Jerry; brother-in-law Wayne (Edna); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Norma’s hardworking, generous, humourous, and caring outlook on life was passed on to all that knew her which made her a great Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Friend and Neighbour. Her loving demeanor was easily recognized by all she met with the simple phrase of ‘Just call me Gram’.
A memorial service was held on October 12th 2010 at 2 p.m. at the Knox United Church in Rainy River with Reverend Pat White officiating.
If desired, donations may be made to the Tamarack House-Thunder Bay (Cancer Care Centre) or to the Knox United Church-Rainy River.
Donations may be made through Northridge Funeral Home in Emo, Ontario and Online Condolences may be left at northridgefuneralhome.com.