Obituary of Norine Mary BERGERON (nee Buchanan)

July 12, 1939 – Glascow, Scotland
November 14, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Norine Bergeron, beloved wife of Aurele Bergeron of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at the age of 81 years following a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

Norine was a loving, devoted mother and wife. She had a quick wit and moved like the energizer bunny. Norine accomplished many career goals in sales and supported the family business, but her real purpose in life was family. Norine (not Noreen) means quite beautifully in Irish, Honour. We can think of no other person who deserves this title, she was indeed honourable, loving and supportive.

Norine was born on July 12, 1939 in Glascow, Scotland. She immigrated to Canada in 1951 with her mother Rose and husband George Montgomery, arriving on the RMS Queen Mary in NS. Her family settled out west in a small farming town of Assiniboia, SK.  As a teenager she worked in a popcorn stand at the local movie theatre where she captured the heart of the town’s ‘Romeo’, Aurele.  Their adventurist spirit led them to the big city of Calgary with her parents and family in tow. Norine and her mother, Rose were next door neighbours on Valentine Crescent, keeping the family close to love and support each other. There were many fond memories of those days, family celebrations and holidays together. Adventures and travel with family and friends was the highlight in Norine’s life. The Hawaiian Islands were her happy place and over the years many of us were lucky enough to join her in paradise. She loved to travel. From Maui to Vegas, Mexico, Bahamas and a whirlwind European vacation all held a special place in her heart.

Non was the true cornerstone and the ‘glue’ of our family.  She was the heart, matriarch, leader and guide that helped each and every one of us through our individual goalposts. A well dressed classy fashionista that understood that food was a language of love. She could turn out a mean tuna casserole, chocolate chip cake and the DAMN sugar cookies she dreaded to make but we loved to eat. Her speciality tourtiere pie at Christmas was a nod to Aurele’s French heritage and a delight for everyone’s dinner table.

Non was a tiny woman in stature, we used to refer to her as the incredible shrinking woman with a giant heart and incredible capacity for love. To be of service was her way to all her friends and family. No-one cared more deeply or worried more intensely about others than Non. She had an amazing ability to forgive and forget, to let love conquer all. Although, she did have a quick Scottish temper and would be quick to admonish any who had displayed disloyalty. Non was always our greatest confidante. We used to say she was the greatest secret keeper in the west and could have been a CIA operative, no loose lips as they say. Norine loved a good time, dancing and singing anytime. She had the uncanny ability to remember a song that encapsulated either a word or a phrase in a conversation, she’d break out in a tune and an entire broadway musical before you knew it. She had the greatest laugh and smile, always with a hug. We share her DNA with honour and we will remember her deepest love and devotion. She will be in our hearts forever.  

Norine is survived by her devoted husband, father and the love of her life for 63 years, Aurele, her loving children,  Michael (Shauna),  Marc (Celine) and  Michelle (Ward), sisters and best friends, Gerry (Brian) and Therese (Ron); brothers, Rick (Sue) and George (Pat) who held a special place in her heart. Non, as she was affectionately known as, also cherished all her nieces and their families, her grandchildren, Ryan (Lynda), Danielle (Markus), Tara (Shane), Kyle (Carl) and Dane brought her immense joy; as did her great grandchildren, Ashlynd, Luca, Rylie, and Scarlett.

We know that Non has gone to the Heavens, she’s definitely an angel.  Rest assured, it will be spotless, no dust, or dirt and perhaps a fresh coat of paint. It will be like Hawaii, complete with beach, water, turtles and swaying palm trees.  It will be fully stocked with stone wheat crackers, white cheddar cheese, bananas, eggs, soda water, and a few McDonald’s fries. There will be a rocking swing band for all to join in dancing in the stars. Non, time for you to soar, to Fly to the Moon.  We love ya, will miss you always. YOUR LOVING FAMILY

A Private Family Gathering will be held. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Norine’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Father Lacombe Care Foundation, Providence Care Center, Applewood, 270 Providence Blvd. SE, Calgary, AB T2X 0V6 Telephone: (587) 393-1353, https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/father-lacombe-care-centre-foundation/.

We wish to thank and greatly acknowledge all the nurses, caregivers and staff at Providence LTC Centre and Dr. Fung who cared for Norine with kindness, humility and grace during her struggle with dementia. Our appreciation for the entire staff and dining friends, for your dedication and care as you wrapped your angel wings around Aurele, her devoted husband and Therese, her devoted sister as they supported Non through the years. Our Family won the lottery when Non was accepted by Providence. Words cannot express our gratitude for your love and attention bestowed upon our gentle mother, wife and sister, Norine. All of you have been a Godsend. 

May God Bless and Peace be with Us.

In living memory of Norine Bergeron, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.