Norma LaRoche, age 89, passed peacefully at Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary Alberta on May 28, 2020.
Norma, born in Saskatoon, grew up in numerous Western Canadian cities as her single mother opened a series of business colleges for young woman in Whitehorse, Penticton, Edmonton and elsewhere while raising Norma and her sister Donna. Norma went to a Alberta College in Edmonton and studied nursing at the University of Alberta. Following her education she worked as a secretary at Home Oil in Calgary, eventually meeting Jerry.
Norma married Jerry LaRoche on December 21st, 1956 in Calgary. Norma and Jerry began a sixty-five year adventure raising a family of three boys in the University Heights neighborhood in Calgary. Norma truly was the Matriarch of the family. While rearing the three boys Norma also found time to work at Simpson Sears and entertain numerous friends for lively dinners and bridge games. She was often called to arbitrate neighborhood street hockey and game disputes as the LaRoche house was a focal point for neighborhood kids. During these years the family enjoyed many happy weekends at their cabin in Harvey Heights.
A transfer to Edmonton offered a whole new opportunity. In these years, Norma was a key support to Jerry’s successful career at GWG and Investors Group. Norma made numerous friends through her work at Eatons and as a member of the Derrick Golf Club. For many years, Norma and Jerry traveled to Mexico for winter breaks and eventually spent winters in Mesa, Arizona, which Norma enjoyed immensely.
For the past 6 years Norma & Jerry made Kelowna home within the Mission Villas Community.
Norma often hosted and was always the life of the party. You knew you were in for a lively time if in her presence. No one ever accused Norma of not speaking her mind.
We all loved her, we will remember her and we will miss her….
Norma is survived by her loving husband Jerry, her sons, Kevin (Lise), Randy and Lindsay (Deborah) and seven grandchildren; Adam, Tori (Justin), Colin, Paige (Brogan), Holly, Katie and Emily.
A family inurnment will take place in Vulcan, Alberta at a later date.
A special thank you to the staff at Foothills including Nurse Bernie and Dr Eisner.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
My sincerest Condolences to you Jerry and your family.
Norma and I worked together at Eatons for many years.
We had good memories from that time.
After retiring we both joined the Confederation poll for aqua fit, which was Norma’s idea and we had lots of fun.
We kept in touch after your move to Kelowna and then recently to
Calgary. I will miss her.
Sincerely, Hildegard
I was so saddened learning of Norma’s passing. My heartfelt condolences to you and family Jerry – she was a great lady and I have so many fond memories. You are all in my prayers.
Sincerely, Anne Allbright
Jerry, I was so saddened hearing of Norma’s passing. My heartfelt condolences to you and family. You will all be in my prayers. She was one great lady and I have so many fond memories of our times together.
Anne Allbright