Obituary of Norma Maureen Rairdan

Norma passed away peacefully at her home in Willow Creek Lodge, in Stettler at sunset on April 21, 2017. She was born Norma Maureen Staples on April 25, 1930 in Empress, Alberta the only girl of triplets (Robert Stanley and Stanford Charles); she had two older siblings Rowland and Beth. She enjoyed her childhood and school years on the family farm at Bindloss, Alberta. She attended St. Theresa’s Convent in Medicine Hat for high school when she was only 14 years of age. Being too young to go to University, necessitated a year at home and then she attended U of A from September 1948 until April 1949. On August 14, 1954 she married Ross Lyle Rairdan. Teaching school and attending summer school was a high point in her life; she taught at Trenville, Kyle (Alix) and Liberal Schools from 1949 until 1957. Her three children and especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her main priority in life and she enjoyed them immensely. Music, dancing and laughter were her hobbies. She moved into Willow Creek Lodge in 2008 and enjoyed her life there until the time of her passing. She loved lodge life and got immense joy from the residents and staff. She was predeceased by her husband Ross ‘Bud’ in 1989, triplet brother Stanford, her parents Mary Olive and Stanley Staples, brother Rowland and sister Beth Johnson. Norma is survived by her loving family: daughters Colleen (Laverne) Lohr of Erskine and Karen (Joe) Stienstra of Cochrane; son Keith (Sandy) Rairdan of Stettler; ten grandchildren: Mary-Beth (Shawn) Roste of Fort St. John, Lee-Ann (Judd) Moren of Three Hills, Tracy-Lynn (Kelsey) Anderson of Edson, Russell (Megan) Lohr of Erskine, Brianna Stienstra of Cochrane, Julie Stienstra of Cochrane, Joshua Rairdan (Caeleigh Shier) of Stettler, Tamara Rairdan (Curtis Frank) of Stettler, Jason Rairdan of Stettler and Jonathan (Daylon) Rairdan of Stettler; twelve great grandchildren: Kodie and Garhett Roste, McKynna and Keagan Moren, Hayden, Sidney, Elizabeth and Collins Anderson, Grady and Marissa Lohr, Hayden Frank and Braxley Rairdan; brother Robert (Chris) Staples of Medicine Hat; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and many dear friends. As per Norma’s wishes a private family interment will take place at Liberal Cemetery at sunset. Memorial donations may be made to the Willow Creek Lodge or Alzheimer Society.