Obituary of Phyllis Bannerman

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother, Norma Bannerman on Monday, January 28, 2008. Norma began her life in Findlater, SK., the second of five daughters to Phyllis and Jim Machan. She grew up during a harsh economic time but within a strong loving family unit that created values which governed how she lived her life; values she passed along to her children and grandchildren. In 1945 she married her soul mate and great love, Angus Bannerman who at the time was a member of the RCMP and later a Flight Sergeant in the RCAF. Their married life took them to postings in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Germany and eventually Penhold, AB where Mom worked as a switchboard supervisor. In 1982 they retired to Innisfail, AB. Norma’s great heartache came in 1993 with our father’s passing. Since 2000 she has resided in the Bethany Care Centre in Airdrie and the Newport Harbour Care Centre in Calgary. Norma knew how to enjoy life. She loved to sing, dance. and she expressed her love through gifts of cooking and baking which she willingly showered on friends and family. Many hours were devoted to her church work and to her gardening. Norma’s love for her family was unconditional. Norma will be missed by her son, James Bannerman of Calgary, her daughter and son-in-law, Wendy and Bob Newman of Airdrie; granddaughter Denisa (Darren) Sanness of Airdrie; grandsons, Craig (Candace) Newman of Calgary, Jamie (Tanya) Newman of Airdrie and Sean Newman of Airdrie. Her memory will be lovingly passed along to her six great-grandchildren, Jarret, Kate, Gavin, Ella, John and Leia. Norma is also survived by her sisters Peggy Ramage of Airdrie, June Bush of Moose Jaw and Leslie Wickstrom of St. Albert as well as several nieces, nephews and their children. Norma was predeceased by her husband Angus; her eldest sister Vivien Griffith of Moose Jaw, SK and her niece Cheryl Wickstrom of St. Albert, AB. The Machan clan strengthens their family ties each year at a family reunion in Cypress Hills, SK; a twenty-five year tradition that Mom loved. No formal funeral service will be held for Norma; instead her family will gather to celebrate her life and to share memories of this special woman. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Norma Bannerman, a tree will be planted at Fletcher Park Memorial Forest by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Airdrie Funeral Home, 300 TOWERLANE DRIVE, AIRDRIE. Telephone: (403) 948-1100.