Obituary of Norma Irene Pyke

October 6, 1935 - Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan

January 29, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that the family of Norma Pyke, of Calgary, AB, announces their mother’s passing on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at the age of 86 years. Norma passed away quietly surrounded by family.

Norma was born in Moose Jaw, SK, where, at a young age, she found an interest in figure skating. Later in life, she worked as a receptionist in the hospital in Saskatoon, but most importantly during this time, she met and married the love of her life Murray Pyke.

The family lived in Edmonton and Regina before finally settling down in Calgary in the late 1960s. It was here they put down roots and created wonderful memories with family and friends. As kids, we recall waking up in the middle of the night, crowding into the packed station wagon, large dog included, for the trip to Northern Saskatchewan where our family spent many wonderful summers around Lac La Ronge. Murray completed his field work, while Norma made friends amongst the residents. With four active children, things could get crazy, and except for the occasional outburst, Norma rolled with it. Our house was the one where friends gathered, fought, played, built ski jumps, trampolined on inner tubes, rode around the back yard on the mini motor bike, and suntanned. Non-stop physical activity was the norm, and Norma was no slouch; she was proficient at tennis, badminton, golf and was also a lifelong walker.

Norma loved the Rocky Mountains, where the family spent winter weekends at our cabin on Tunnel Mountain in Banff. Norma and Murray enjoyed cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and volunteered at local alpine ski events, including the inaugural 1980 World Cup at Lake Louise. Canmore became the weekend destination, where they both enjoyed spending time with their children and young granddaughters. Ultimately, Norma and Murray fell in love with the west coast of Canada and settled part-time in Victoria.

Norma cared a lot about people and the community, and her philanthropic generosity reached many areas such as education and research, social services, health and wellness, and arts and culture. Norma understood how fortunate her life had been and believed in helping others.

Norma is survived by her children, David (Sandy), Jackie (Evan), Randall and James; sister Linda Greene (Peter), and brother Terry (Nellie). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Lilina (Jacob), Bridget, Shannon, Ruby, and Hannah; and great-grandchildren, Cameron and Esme. She was predeceased by her husband Murray; parents, Cecil, and Jean Scharf (Fraser); siblings, Brian, Beryl Cooper, and Barbara Peters.

A Celebration of Norma’s Life for family and friends will take place this spring, date to be announced. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

The family would like to thank the outstanding and dedicated staff at Staywell Manor, caregiver Tammy Campbell, Unit 47 staff and nurses at the Rockyview hospital, as well as the personnel at Chinook Hospice for taking wonderful care of Mom.

In living memory of Norma Pyke, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.