Norma Marie Crawford, 83, of East Mapleton passed away on Sunday, May 30, 2021 at her residence. Born in East Mapleton, she was a daughter of the Late Valdmar and Ethel (Beaton) Mills.
She will be sadly missed by her son, T. Wayde Crawford, Mount Uniacke; daughter, Bonnie (Jeff) MacCallum, Timberlea; granddaughter, Brittany MacCallum, New Minas; nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband Thomas Crawford in 2007; brother Ancil Mills and nephew, Dale Mills.
Norma started her working career as a telephone switch board operator in Parrsboro, NS and then joined the Canadian military in the medical field. She met her husband, also in the military, when he was the ambulance driver who responded to a call that a woman had injured her leg. That woman was Norma. Other positions she held after leaving the military included waitressing, retail clerk, and bowling alley manager.
Bowling was a pastime shared by both Norma and her late husband Thomas. No matter where they were stationed or living, they always found a bowling centre to indulge their passion for the sport. For many years Norma was a Youth Bowl Canada coach/instructor.
Norma joined the fraternal order of the Pythian Sisters at 16 years of age and was an active member rising through the ranks, within the local lodge and grand temples, ultimately reaching the position of Grand Chief for the Maritime Provinces. Norma was also an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion for over 30 years and held numerous positions, including multiple appointments as Legion President of Branch #17. Until her passing, Norma maintained the position as Chaplain of Branch #17 for the past few decades.
She was also a volunteer with the FSNA (National Association of Federal Retirees) in Nova Scotia which is an advocacy organization representing active and retired members of the federal public service. In this role, and in her roles with the Royal Canadian Legion, Norma became a Notary Public to provide those respective memberships, for gratis, with notary services.
Not content with just those activities, Norma has always been an active crafter with a focus mainly on knitting, quilting and crochet. As a member of the Five Islands Bazaar, you could find her work available for sale, however most of her hand crafts went to various charities (IWK Health Centre, Royal Canadian Legion, and others) or as personal gifts.
In recognition for her volunteer work, Norma received numerous awards including Life Membership Royal Canadian Legion, volunteer award for Cumberland County, and various other citations and certificates.
Arrangements have been entrusted to A. H. Brown Funeral Home, 5 McFarlane Street, Springhill, (902 597 2361). The Springhill Royal Canadian Legion will hold a Service of Remembrance for Norma on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at 3:00 pm in the Mapleton Cemetery, Mapleton, NS. All are welcome to attend.
Donations in memory of Norma may be made to The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #17, the Mapleton Cemetery or the charity of your choice.
Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the online memorial at www.brownsfuneralhome.com or through the A H Brown Funeral Home Facebook Page.