Norma’s Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Norma Jean Shirley McConaghy (née Hoiseth), age 74.
She was born in Kinistino, SK in 1946 to parents Ole and Gertie. She grew up on a mixed farm north of Weldon, SK, with siblings Linda, Opal and Les. She attended school in Weldon, SK. She was a star athlete, and active in the Lutheran Church. She spent grade 11 and 12 at LCBI (Lutheran Collegiate Bible Institute) in Outlook, SK.
She then attended the University of Saskatchewan and got her Bachelor of Education, with a specialty in art. She graduated in 1968. She then taught Art and English at Birch Hills High School from 1968–1975. She made many lifetime friends during her teaching days.
She realized a longtime dream to visit her roots in Norway, with a trip to Europe in 1969.
On Dec 31, 1968 she met her future husband Lorne. They were married 18 months later, on July 18, 1970. In 1975, their first child, Troy, was born. 13 months later, the twins Trent and Trevis arrived.
She was always active in her boys’ activities: Scouts, 4-H, church, piano, swimming, hockey, and drama — not just driving but also often taking a leadership role. She helped Lorne write speeches, and more, for his work as a Saskatchewan Wheat Pool delegate.
She was a backbone in the farming operations and made things happen behind the scenes. This carried over to McConaghy Tours, which she grew from the ground up with her husband Lorne; she oversaw the operations for its 38 years.
For 17 years, she was a leader in Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers, then as a trainer for other Scout leaders. She loved the outdoors, including camping, canoeing, hiking, and spending time at their cabin at Waskesiu.
She loved gardening. As the family was growing up, she had two huge gardens to feed everyone. She later converted it to a beautiful rock & flower garden, complete with three fountains.
Norma loved art, and being an educator. She taught community college classes in fine art, reveled in teaching art to her children, went back to the University of Saskatchewan to get her Master’s in Education (in art) 1998–1999, and was a regular high school substitute teacher.
Norma was community-minded. She was president of the women’s section of the Melfort Agricultural Society for several years. She was a founding member of Melfort Amateur Dramatics (MAD). She was elected secretary of the Melfort Co-op for several terms.
She was passionate about travel. From the day she met her husband, they toured the world together, then with their children, then with their tour company.
She was simply an amazing person. She was kind, smart, wise, and extremely hard-working. She was selfless to a fault. She was a happy person, with a radiant smile and infectious laugh. She loved her children dearly. She was an amazing grandma who could make storybooks come to life. She loved to cherish memories of her time with her family and friends, through photos and videos. She was a role model for everyone around her.
She is survived by her husband Lorne (after being together for 51 years); three sons, Troy, Trent (with wife Maria and grandchildren Arie, Gabrielle, and Tova), and Trevis (with wife Jackie). She’s also survived by her siblings Linda Peterson (with husband Ernie), Opal Haaland (with husband Bill), Les Hoiseth (with wife Andrea), and her sister-in-law Merle (with husband Marty); and numerous relatives in her extended family in Saskatchewan, and overseas (especially Norway, Sweden, and Ireland). She was predeceased by her parents Ole and Gertie Hoiseth.
A celebration of life to be announced at a later date.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Norma Jean Shirley McConaghy February 03 1946 March 20 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Melfort, Province: Saskatchewan