Nora, dear wife of Don Munro and loving mother of their eight children, died in Qualicum Beach, B.C., on February 27, 2011.
The second of three children born to Helen and Dr. Robert McEwen on February 10, 1923, in Saskatoon, Sask., Nora was predeceased by her brother Don McEwen and sister Betty Wismer.
Nora graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a degree in household sciences and followed up with graduate studies in dietetics at Montreal’s Royal Victoria Hospital. She married Don, her childhood friend and sweetheart, in 1946 and they headed to Pine Falls, Man., and set about building their life together. Daughter Pat was born in 1948, followed by David, Margaret, Audrey, Clark, Jean, Alex and Gail. Nora always maintained she wanted to have 12 children, but settled for a “gang of eight.” Her home economics training was put to good use as she devoted her life to her family. Once all her children were in school she returned to work as a dietician at Pine Falls District Hospital. She also volunteered with community, church and seniors groups.
Nora packed up and moved the family to northern Ontario, then back to Manitoba and later to Newfoundland in support of Don’s career in the pulp and paper industry. In 1983, she and Don retired to a hobby farm in Salmon Arm, B.C., where the bees flew, the honey flowed and the fruit trees and gardens flourished under Nora’s nurturing touch.
Nora’s family grew to include her children’s spouses and more than 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her hospitality was legendary among friends and family, who she welcomed into her home with wholesome meals topped off with delicious desserts.
As Nora’s world became unhinged by Alzheimer’s Disease, Don, the engineer, switched roles to become devoted caregiver. Special thanks to the compassionate staff at Eagle Park Health Care Facility in Qualicum Beach, who helped Don care for Nora for four and a half years as the disease stole her away.
A tribute to Nora’s life was held at Yates Memorial Chapel in Parksville, B.C., March 5, 2011.
In lieu of followers donations may be sent to the Pacific Alzheimer Research Foundation, Suite 210, 1095 West Pender St., Vancouver, B.C. V6E 2M6.