ROBERTSON - Norma Marguerite (née Foley) died in Kelowna, November 10th, 2013 in her 101st year. Born in North Battleford, Sask., September 16, 1913, youngest daughter of Catherine (Cassie) Augusta Foley (née Blain) and Joseph Andrew Foley, former Mayor of North Battleford. Predeceased by her husband Fred Robertson, in 2005, and by her brothers Ralph and Frank and her sister Eileen Foley. Norma is survived by her daughter Lynn Neufeld (James) of Peterborough, Ont., sons Robert of Salmon Arm, B.C. and Edmonton, and John (Judi) of Falkland, B.C.; by her niece Noreen Magee (Hugh) of Salmon Arm; by her grandchildren Katharine Neufeld (Todd) in Toronto, Amy Neufeld (Sam) in Kitchener, Ont.; Susan Robertson in Edmonton; Christopher Robertson in Vancouver, Michelle Robertson in Kamloops, and Clayton Robertson in Calgary; and by great-grandchildren, Meret (Katharine); Daisy and Matilda (Amy); Randy (Susan); Nikita and newborn son (Christopher); Drew and Braelyn (Michelle); Katie and Cole (Clayton); fondly remembered by her niece Heather Robertson (Dave) of Edmonton. Norma grew up in North Battleford and Pasadena, California. Around her parents' dining room table she honed her keen sense of humour and story-telling skills - talents she used later in her writings. She and Fred married in 1939 and moved to Edmonton in 1944. They worked hard together, building Western Brand Products, the family business in Edmonton. Over the years Norma's devotion to her family was interspersed with painting classes, travel to far-off locales, duplicate bridge, and her West Highland Whites. Retirement was a wandering adventure: spring and fall in Victoria and then in Kelowna, summers at the Foley family cottage in Meota, Sask., and winters in Hawaii and California. When old age finally caught up with Norma and Fred, they chose to settle for all seasons in Kelowna. Through good times and bad, her determination, firm opinion, quick wit, and feisty approach to all things and most people stood her in good stead. Although time was not kind to either her mind or body, she lived out her final years surrounded by family, friends, and a cast of caregivers who relished her spirit and talents. She will be missed. A celebration of her life will take place in Kelowna in the spring followed by inurnment at the Edmonton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family invites friends who would like to do so to make a donation in Norma's name to the Kelowna SPCA or St. John Ambulance, Kelowna Branch, Therapy Dog Services. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting searching her name under stories. Arrangements in care of First Memorial Funeral Services, (250) 762-2299. ____________________________________________________
