Norma Eilene Campbell

July 15, 1921 ~ July 18, 2023

It is with heavy hearts, but the greatest appreciation for a life well lived, that family announce the passing of their loving mother, Norma Eilene Campbell. Norma was born on July 15, 1921, in rural Saskatchewan to parents, Rose and Ray King. She grew up on the farm with her brothers, Elmer and Everett. It was typical farm life of that era; hard work and a basic existence were the norm. She spent her days helping her mother with the planting, baking, and sewing. Eventually, as a young woman she traveled by bus to the big city of Medicine Hat. After attending the Medicine Hat School of Nursing, she graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1944. Throughout her nursing career, she held numerous positions including the Medicine Hat General Hospital, private nursing and then Occupational Nurse at Western Cooperative Fertilizer plant. Norma was calm, kind and caring which made nursing a natural choice for her. These were also great attributes for being the best mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother anyone could wish for. Her compassion for all people was remarkable. After a successful nursing career, her work ethic and determination took her onto her next adventure, when her sons decided to go into business to become “sod gods”. It was there that she worked tirelessly in the fledgling landscape business keeping her two sons on the straight and narrow business path. Her help in the business was incredible. The conversation as payday approached was often “Be sure to get your timecard in Mom”, “Oh I didn’t work too hard today, so I just put down a few hours”, this after working an 8-hour shift. Her dedication and enjoyment of the landscape and irrigation business kept her working as the “Rainbird Lady” into her 80’s. Norma was an amazing mother. The springtime ritual of opening the cabin in Elkwater was important to her and her children as they spent many wonderful summers there. The memories and experiences gained in Elkwater, made a lasting impression on her three children as they continue to find enjoyment and comfort there. Norma and her beloved husband, Alf enjoyed dancing and spending time with great friends at the Redcliff Legion. They enjoyed numerous golf trips to Arizona and the Wigwam Resort. She also enjoyed trips to Mexico and Hawaii with her children and marvelled at the beautiful flowers and fauna. Norma and her daughter, Jo shared a close bond. Together they made many memories on their trips to Fairmont for golf and nightly crib games. In recent years, Norma often accompanied Jo and Roger on their trips to the cabin in Elkwater. Norma was a lifelong learner and voracious reader of books. She took computer courses while in her 80’s and was still using her ipad in recent months. Norma was a longtime patron of the Medicine Hat Public Library. She was seldom seen without a book in hand and would often read into the wee hours of the night. Norma had a passion for bridge and played all her life. She continued to play bridge with friends until a month ago. When playing against her, chances were good that you would be going home with a loonie less than you came with. Throughout her life, Norma was a long-time member of the Connaught Golf Club, Veiner Center and Medicine Hat School of Nursing Alumnae. Later in life, she enjoyed volunteering at the Esplanade. Norma was blessed with good health and at the age of 100, she was still residing in her own home. She golfed regularly until the age of 98 and even played a few holes on her 100th birthday. What a run! If Norma was here and healthy today, she would be golfing at Connaught. She may not hit it far, but it would be straight down the middle, and she would count every stroke! Apparently, she believed that taking a gimme would result in a prison sentence. Throughout her life, Norma’s love, attention, and support of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was never ending. Her smile, sense of humor and wonderful laugh will be missed by all. Norma is survived by three children and their families: son, Calvin Smythe (Deborah Forbes) with grandsons, Dominic and Ryker; their daughter, Zoe Smythe (Jacques Kerner) and their children, Myriam, Isaac and Norah; daughter, Jo Ann Hillestad ( Roger † ) and their two daughters, Cara MacLean (James) and their children, Aivree and Addison, Lana Cavan (Lance) and their children, Kinley and Hoyt; son, Ron Smythe and his two children, daughter, Danielle Smythe (Conor McGreish) and their children, Sloan and Marshall; son, Logan Smythe (Kati) and their children, Sophia, Jude and Iya; sister-in-law, Mary Anne King as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Norma was predeceased by her husband, Alf Campbell; parent’s, Ray and Rose King; two brothers, Elmer and Everett King; sister-in-law, Verona King; grandson, Alexander Smythe and son-in-law, Roger Hillestad. A celebration of Norma’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Murray Jaster officiating. Private interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery with friends joining family for fellowship thereafter in the Cook Southland Reception Facility. Norma’s celebration will be live streamed. Those who cannot attend that wish to experience the service may visit the Cook Southland website and select the View Broadcast Button on the homepage at service time. (Condolences may be expressed at www.cooksouthland.com) If friends so desire, those wishing to remember Norma may do so through a donation to the Medicine Hat Public Library, 414 – 1 Street S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 0A8. Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, Crematorium & Reception Facility, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4.  Telephone:  403-527-6455 or toll free at:  1-877-528-6455.

• Date : 2023-07-18
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

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