Down, Norma

It is with great sadness that her family announces the peaceful passing of Norma Ileene Down of Spruce Lodge, formerly of Woodland Towers, on May 4, 2015. The daughter of the late John Parsons and Maude Frishette, she was born July 27, 1914 in South Walsingham Twp., Ontario. She married John Down (1987) on July 1, 1933 in Woodstock, Ontario. For many years, mom and dad wintered in Tucson, Arizona, where mom won trophies for her shuffleboard skills. Mom was well known in the Stratford area for her sewing and knitting skills, and she made the best fudge, and was willing to share it. She was a member of St. John’s United Church and the United Church Women. She was also a longtime member of the Stratford Lakeside Active Adult Association where she enjoyed a variety of card games with many of her friends. She was always a gracious lady and her sense of humour was very apparent. Mom is survived by her three daughters – Marjorie (Jack) Mahon of California, Joan Boshart and Lynda (Ray) Schneider of Stratford.  She is also survived by grandchildren and great grandchildren: Toni Cirilli and her sons, Jonathan and Christopher; Susan (Jeff) Wemp and their children, David and Meredith; Jennifer Boshart; Peter Boshart (Jen Lam) and his children Nicholas and Arron; Wesley Merner and his children, Haley and Ryan. She was predeceased by sons-in-law John Joyes, Sr. (1973), and Paul E. Boshart (2013) and grandsons Paul S. Boshart (1965); John Joyes, Jr. (1984). Mom was also predeceased by her brother, Earl Parsons, and three sisters-Hazel Smith, Edna Garvey and Verna Potts and their spouses, and by all of her Down brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. The family would like to convey a sincere thank you to Dr. Norman Cruz and the Staff at Spruce Lodge. Your compassion and love provided a home-like atmosphere for mom, and your care kept her at her best.  Friends and relatives may call at the W. G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford on Friday, May 8, 2015 from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 2:30 p.m. Rev. Michelle Down of St. John’s United Church will officiate. Cremation and inurnment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers (allergy), donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Spruce Lodge Activity Department or the charity of one’s choice through the funeral home. (519)-271-7411 www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com