Norma June (nee Woodbeck) Gurney, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 26th, 2023 at Pinewood Court. Norma was 92 years old and characteristically, she remained optimistic throughout her extraordinary life and into her last few days.
In 1951 she married Jack Gurney and together they raised four children. Their Vickers Heights home was filled with laughter and music for over 70 years. Norma, or “Big Norm” as Jack called her, was a skilled piano player. She would sit at the piano surrounded by family and friends and enjoy sing-alongs lasting well into the wee hours of the night.
Norma was a pioneer when it came to women’s rights. She was always employed and loved to learn which gave her the opportunity to explore a variety of business-related careers. She then decided to return to school to get her teaching credentials when her children were young. Norma taught in the business program at Westgate Highschool and while doing so, coached various teams. She loved her students and was well-loved in return. One of her greatest teaching accomplishments was her “Older Adult Program”, where she taught many adults shorthand and made lifelong friends with them all.
Friendships were very important to Norma and Jack and they enjoyed a vibrant social life, making lots of great travel memories. Before they would go on vacation, they would have one of their famous “just in case we die on our trip” parties. She had so many good friends and was always eager to make new ones wherever she went. She had a keen interest in other people’s lives and made a point of getting to know them.
Norma and Jack formed a life long friendship and business partnership with Joan & Richard Johns. With the purchase of The Welcomship in 1976, they became ambassadors of tourism for Thunder Bay & North Western Ontario. They each brought special skills to Welcomship. As Welcomship’s ‘Master Marketer’, Norma brought bus charters to our city from all over Canada and the USA. Norma assumed leadership positions in The Tour Boat Association of Ontario, The North of Superior Shore Association (Senator 1992), and served as the Canadian Vice President of The Lake Superior Travel Association. After selling the Welcomship in 1995, and retiring from Westgate; she again pursued leadership positions at the 55 Plus Centre (President) and Christmas Cheer (Chair). After Jack passed in 2013, Mom joined her church choir and enjoyed many evenings of song and fellowship.
Norma will be missed by her children; Glenda Law, Jack (Terri), David, Karen Covello (Bill); her grandchildren; Jessica Venasky (Colin), Adrienne Law (Dave Hladky), Carli Gurney (Ardy Barghi), Alexa Harris (Kegan), Danielle Covello, Nicole Covello (Anthony Menei), Connor Covello (Stephanie), Stephanie Covello (Alex Bachynski); her 6 well loved great-grandchildren; in-laws Carolyn and Fred Wilkins; many, many good friends, particularly Ken House with whom she had a special relationship, as well as numerous nieces/nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by her parents, Ada and Max Woodbeck, her husband of 62 years Jack (2013), sister Lois Bromley, brother Earl Woodbeck (Joyce) and nephew Keith Woodbeck and niece Shelley Bodnar as well as numerous members of the Gurney family. Norma was deeply saddened by the early passings of her daughter-in-law Lori (2017) and son-in-law Bob Law (2021).
Her family wishes to express their thanks to the team at Pinewood Court for their compassionate care for Norma. She in turn cared for all the staff who supported her and for their families.
She always spoke about how lucky she was.
A Life Well Lived.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will occur at a later date.
