Nora Irene McKague of McTaggart, passed away on May 23, 2013, at the age of 86 years. Nora was a true friend to many and will be deeply missed. Nora was the youngest and fourth child born to Norman and Bessie McKague on February 19, 1927, and raised on the farm northeast of McTaggart along with her siblings Elva, Jim and Albert. Nora attended Actonvale School, often walking the distance. The MacDonald's lived close by and the girls played together, Nina being one Nora mentioned a lot. From an early age Nora and her sister Elva took on responsibilities of household and gardening duties and became exceedingly proficient at both. Elva eventually travelled east and remained there after being married. Nora was known for her honesty, kindness, loyalty, dedication and ability to make good friends. Baking was something to be envied. Maureen remembers bake sales in McTaggart that saw Nora being followed down the stairs and her raspberry pies snapped up before even hitting the tables. The bountiful garden she had was canned or frozen plus unselfishly shared by giving bags of produce to friends. Nothing went to waste. Another love was flowers. Inside the house window ledges were filled with violet plants. In summertime a display of gladiolas graced the table with still enough for a huge colourful showing in the garden enjoyed by all driving by. In spare moments at night Nora enjoyed reading or doing needlework. Being strongly community minded Nora helped out at every shower plus attended many birthday parties and tea parties. Nora did look forward to trips down east to see her sister and family. As well Nora and Albert enjoyed what they considered two major holidays with Gordon and Eleanor Clay (plus Keith and Adeline), one to Expo '86 and one to Hawaii. Many area short trips were made over the years with a few closer friends for berry picking or picnics. They invited Doyle and Val Thomas and girls every fall to go on a fun picnic day through the Qu'Appelle Valley. The fall colours were always awesome. Also shared with Doyle and Val were many visits to see McKague's second cousins Dennis and Marlene Down and Audrey Down at the Parkbeg farm every July 1st for an enjoyable day. A highlight was when sister Elva along with husband Edgar and a niece she adored, Marlene, would come out west for two weeks or so during harvest time. They had fun times and Edgar so enjoyed helping out with harvest. Many evenings saw a musical jam session. Nora loved her cats and had up to 20 one time. When walking outside usually a parade of cats was close behind. Company dropped in often to visit. Most phoned ahead before coming out and Nora made sure the tea or coffee pots, plus home-made baking, were on hand. Nora said 'tongue in cheek' sometimes one or two came just before supper was ready. With her great meals and desserts that was an excellent coincidence! The weekly trip to Weyburn eventually expanded to twice a week where Nora enjoyed visiting with the tea and coffee ladies. Roger and Maureen Clay were great to look after Chinese food birthday parties in later years. After the brothers passed away, Nora tried to manage staying on the farm with help from neighbours in yard work and trips to Weyburn. She weakened with a diabetic coma and from there ended up in Crocus Plains Villa in Weyburn. On weekly visits with her in the home many a story was shared of their life in early days which made her so happy. She diligently looked forward to the many letters sent from her niece Marlene, Edna McKegney and Mary Budd. Thank you to Crocus Plains Villa for their care and kindness shown to Nora and to those who took time to visit just to chat. It meant a lot. Nora was predeceased by her parents, sister Elva and brother-in-law Edgar, brothers Jim and Albert. Nora is survived by her loving niece Marlene Bradley and several second cousins. Cremation took place and at Nora's request no funeral service was held. Condolences may be left at: www.fletcherfuneralchapel.com Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher's Funeral Chapel, Weyburn 306-842-5432.
