The family of Norma Bruce (nee MacDonald) announce her passing on Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre, Yorkton, SK. She was 95 years of age. Norma and her twin brother, Ewan were born in a little log house on the MacDonald homestead in Tupper District of Saskatchewan on May 17, 1918 to Dan and Rachel (nee MacKinnon) MacDonald. Their arrival would complete the family with nine children. Soon after they moved in to the "Big House" built by her dad. She received her education at the Tupper school. On April 16, 1942 she married Joe Bruce. They were blessed with four children, Ewan (Brucie), Norma (Mae), Sheila and Linda (twins). In November of 1942, Joe was called into service for the War. Norma stayed with her family until Joe's return. Norma, Joe, Brucie, and Mae moved to a farm in the Liscard District. In the spring of 1949, the family grew by two when Sheila and Linda were born. The family lived there until 1954 when they moved to the Bill Gibson farm in the Perley District near Saltcoats. They remained farming there until retiring and purchasing a home in Saltcoats. Norma lived on her own in Saltcoats until her failing health forced her to stay with family. In her younger days Norma loved to play ball and could run like the wind. Her other passions included curling, playing cards (especially "Crib") and gardening. She loved gardening, "Nary" a weed dared go near her garden. Lilies were her passion. With her loving, generous nature, she would share her lilies with everyone and anyone. Norma was proud to belong to the Saltcoats Legion. She spent many enjoyable hours at the Saltcoats Senior Center with her friends. She loved going to the Care Home to "Help the Old People"! Norma thought everything should be done at "top speed"! We often told her to slow down so the rest of us could keep up. She always had time to enjoy a cup of tea with family and friends. She thoroughly enjoyed a 'Wee Nip' with her grandson on special occasions. Her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandson were the Love of her Life!! Norma leaves to cherish her memory daughter, Norma (Mae) Sauser, grandchildren, great grandchildren, a great great grandson; her sisters-in-law, Sheila Lenaour and Verna Miller, many nieces and nephews, and many dear friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Dan and Rachel; her husband, Joe; her son, Ewan; daughters, Sheila and Linda; granddaughter, Wendy; son-in-law, Tony; five sisters, three brothers, eight brothers-in-law and five sisters-in-law. Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 from the Saltcoats United Church in Saltcoats, SK. with Mr. Thom Carnahan officiating. Words of comfort were shared by Reverend Devon Pattemore, and Norma was remembered in tribute and eulogy by her grandson, Gary Sauser. The organist, Ruth Datema, led the congregation and members of the Saltcoats United Church Choir and Friends in the singing of the hymns, "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" and "Amazing Grace". The Choir Anthem was "In The Garden". Duet, Linda Datema and Connie Taylor, shared a musical tribute, "Safe in the Arms of Jesus". Pipers, Ferne Katzberg and David Gillard played "Road to the Isles" as a processional, "Morag of Dunvegan" as a recessional, and two selections, "Amazing Grace" and "The Lord of the Dance" at the grave side. The Interment Service followed in the Saltcoats Town Cemetery with Colin Sauser, Allan Sauser, Camille Bartsch, Kelly Pescod, Adrian Bruce and Kaden Haydt serving as the casket bearers. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
