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With great sadness, we announce the passing of Nora Lea Benson on February 22, 2025. She was at home, surrounded by her loving family as her spirit took flight after a long and courageous battle with PAH / COPD.
Nora Lea was predeceased by parents George and Clara Flegg, brother Bill, and sister Brenda. She is survived by her brother John Flegg (Lynda), her husband Richard, and their children Kathleen (Brent), John (Kelly), Marielle, and Joel (Zoe), three grandchildren (Sam, Sonora, Zoe) and two great grandchildren (Sila, Eden).
Nora Lea was born in Oshawa, Ontario on October 28, 1941. She was a creative and artistic young lady who loved horses and dreamed of being a cowboy. Becoming a Girl Guide instead was a noble substitute. She participated in Guides throughout her youth, earning a Gold Cord, and befriending a fellow Guide pen pal in England to whom she wrote for 70 years. Many of Nora Lea’s childhood friends remained close to her for her entire life, which speaks to her special gift for developing deep and authentic connections with all those around her.
After high school, Nora Lea studied journalism at Ryerson in Toronto and began her career as a newspaper reporter at the Oshawa Times. During her fledgling years in this pursuit, she met and fell in love with Richard Benson. They married in 1964 and soon afterward the newlywed couple left Toronto as Richard’s work transferred him to London, Ontario. Over the next seven joyful years they created their joint masterpiece: a family.
Not long after their fourth child was born, the family moved to Alberta for another work transfer. Nora Lea gracefully rose to the challenge with an utterly positive outlook and an amazing ability to settle into a new community, including new friends, and involvement in parish activities. The young family had landed in Edmonton, but within several years a decision was made to move out of the city onto an acreage near Ardrossan. This would be home for the next 25 years. The once aspiring cowboy finally had her horses…and the family enjoyed many happy years living close to nature.
As the children grew up and left home for post-secondary education, Nora Lea’s connection to and involvement with the parish evolved into an opportunity to work within the walls of prisons with those serving time. She sat on the Citizens Advisory Committee for the Edmonton Maximum Security Prison and then acted as an interim RC chaplain at the Fort Saskatchewan Penitentiary. Nora Lea’s compassion and ability to see goodness in everyone made her a powerful and beloved ally to the inmates she served.
After Richard’s retirement, Nora Lea initiated a driving vacation to the Sunshine Coast. Her love of unscripted road trips unexpectedly led to a new and beautiful chapter in her life. After spending time in Powell River and falling madly in love with everything about it, she and Richard decided to move there in 2005.
Nora Lea’s generous and creative spirit thrived in Powell River. Participation in the local dog therapy program with visits to seniors in care, schools and library events called upon her love of people and their well-being. Weekly art gatherings with friends and the participation in a small hiking group of longtime Powell Riverites added to enjoyable activities. The welcome mat was always out for family and friends nation-wide who greatly enjoyed a coastal holiday and time visiting in Powell River.
Those that knew Nora Lea will always remember her extraordinary capacity to love, to listen, to laugh, and to make all around her feel accepted and seen. She was a woman of unique style, elegance and grace. Not to mention the most dedicated Blue Jays fan you would ever hope to meet.
Life has been truly wonderful and Nora Lea’s profound love of friends and family and concern for their well-being will always be felt as we adjust to this most precious missing part of our universe.
The care and support of Dr. Yahaya, the Clinic staff and the home care and palliative care team has been invaluable in the last few weeks and the medical assistance received from Qathet General Hospital has been greatly appreciated.
A gathering of friends and family will be held at a later date to be announced. Thanks to all who have reached out with messages of love and support for Nora Lea and our family.
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” – Winnie the Pooh (A.A. Milne)
October 28 1941
February 22 2025
Death notice for the town of: Powell-River, Province: Colombie britanique
death notice Nora Lea Benson October 28 1941
February 22 2025
obituaries notice Nora Lea Benson October 28 1941
February 22 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Nora Lea Benson October 28 1941
February 22 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
