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On August 30, 2024, Norah Patricia Sheppard, surrounded by loved ones, peacefully took her last breath. Born in Toronto on January 8, 1928, she had a long and joy-filled life. She was predeceased by Robert Harold Sheppard, the love of her life and husband of sixty-six years. She is survived by her six daughters and their partners - Jan and Stan, Wendy and Tony, Dale and Doug, Colleen and Derek, Robyn and Frank, Dawn and Kevin, and her many adoring grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her sister, Marjorie, brother, Terry, and sister-in-law, Marilyn. She was predeceased by her sister, Beverley.
Norah trained as a nurse at Wellesley Hospital in Toronto. She then worked in obstetrics and for the Victorian Order of Nurses before taking time to raise and care for her large family. While she was the hub of a warm and vibrant household, she still found time to participate in community activities including the Canadian Voice of Women. A lifelong learner and avid reader, Norah returned to university in her late forties and completed a degree in Women's Studies at York University. She volunteered at Jessie’s, the June Callwood Centre for Young Women, as well as Nellie’s Hostel in Toronto. Later she and Bob led and hugely expanded the Cobourg chapter of Amnesty International.
Throughout her life, Norah was a steward of the earth, practicing environmentalism in her everyday life. Even in her retirement home, her advocacy and activism on the residents’ council led to sustainable changes including the introduction of a compost and recycling program. She was deeply concerned with social issues and followed politics closely. Norah had a vivid imagination and a highly developed aesthetic sense. She wrote beautifully and also expressed her creativity and love of nature through exquisite flower arrangements.
With a kind, generous heart, and a wonderful sense of humour, she always stopped to make someone’s day better. She was a people person: the first to offer a helping hand, bring laughter into a room, and express deep interest in the lives of others. She shared a special connection and energy with children. A beautiful and loving person, she will be missed dearly.
A celebration of Norah’s life will be held at the much-loved family cottage next summer.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Paula Smith at Kanata North Medical Centre for her outstanding care and to the nurses, doctors, and social worker of the Ottawa General Hospital Orthopedics Unit. We also deeply appreciated the palliative and spiritual care services.
Dear Wendy and family, We were blessed to know your parents as wonderful neighbours and gentle, kind and giving people. Your mother was a real gem and will be missed greatly. Our thoughts are with you. Regards, Caroline and Brian McNamara
Wendy, Tony and family, Very sadden to hear about Norah’s passing. She was one with beautiful energy and spirit. I can remember her voice calling out to Bob while he was working in the garden “Bob?….” I’m sure he can hear her calling out for him again as they reunite. Condolences as you navigate through this heart breaking difficult time.
Thinking of you all as you navigate the loss of your Mom. It’s beautiful to read and learn even more about how she walked in this world. Grace and Peace as you grieve the loss and and also celebrate such a beautiful woman and life. Much love to you all????????
I offer you my condolences hearing of Norah’s passing. She was such a bright light for me during a dark time in my life. Norah was a wonderful support for me. I am glad to have known her.
What a beautiful testimony of Norah… I met her several years ago through my dear friend Dawn, her daughter. I used to visit her in her retirement home. She was always interested in my life and we always talked about aging and how to create places for aging in a way that sustained one’s inner life/soul almost. She sought the essence or spirit of things. She leaves a beautiful legacy of family. Her daughters are all so vibrant, engaging and exude her warmth. I miss Norah. She’s left a big space behind. I see her beautiful smile. I will remember our visits and tea and broad scoping conversations. Rest well dear Norah… Know that I felt the love you created and shared. You are cherished and dearly missed ? Lisa
To all of Norah's family, we extend our deepest sympathy! She was truly amazing and inspired everyone she met to help and care for others. Her warm smile and spirit will be missed.
Dear Wendy and family Your mom was so loved by all of us l have such happy memories of get togethers at your mom and dad's home and a trip to the cottage l miss them both God bless to you all. Jacqui
Wendy I'm so sorry to hear that your dear mother has died. I met her only once but remember her as a very warm and friendly human being. My condolences to you and your family. Pat
As members of Trinity United Church, Ron and I remember both Norah and Bob with deep respect and fondness. Norah’s warm smile and genuine interest in people will always be remembered.
To Wendy and all of Norah's family. My wife Heather and I were quite saddened to hear of Norah's passing today. During our 35+ years in Cobourg, we came to know Bob and Norah through our mutual connections at Trinity United Church and through our attempts to support their strong inspirational leadership of Amnesty International. I was often heard to remark that "I want to be Bob Sheppard when I grow up", and that comment clearlty was meant to include wonderful Norah as well. Every occasion to meet her, even casually on the street, was a moment that made every day just a bit brighter. She was indeed a wonderful woman.
Dear Family, We at Trinity United Church, Cobourg, enjoyed and benefited from Norah and Bob’s presence for many years are express our sympathy of the passing the special woman that Norah was. She is now with her Lord and Bob and at peace. ?️?
You are so right - " a beautiful and loving person" . I am so glad to have known her for a little while. She was a gift. Wishing all the best to her large and lovely family at this time of change and grief.
We express our heartfelt condolences to all six of Norah and Bob’s daughters and their families as we think of Norah, that wonderful woman, our friend of so many years. She and Bob were a source of strength and inspiration to us as they were for their family and so many others. A remarkable woman, she had an enduring interest in all aspects of life and was a source of joy to all who knew her. Sadly missed, remembered forever. Lori and Bill