FRANCHE, Norma Kathleen
Norma Kathleen Franche (nee Bealle) was born on June 19th, 1934 in Cadomin, Alberta.
She attended school in Edson before moving to Hinton in the 1950’s where she worked for the pulp mill until her retirement. She married Marcel Franche in January of 1972 and continued living in Hinton, enjoying curling, golfing, flying club activities and countless bridge games plus travelling extensively to various countries.
Norma was predeceased by her father Fred and her mother Ellen, two brothers, John and Robert. She is survived by her loving husband Marcel and her sisters Ellen of Seattle, Washington and Shirley of Louisville, Kentucky, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins and a host of friends.
Norma was a goodwill ambassador to Hinton, and was loved by all. She welcomed each and everyone, whether it was to their home for golfing or bocce ball, followed by an outdoor lunch for 30 to 50 every Wednesday during the summer, or at Hinton’s Good Companions where she was heavily involved. She helped keep the senior’s hall a vibrant asset in the community as their President or active participant. She organized monthly luncheons as well as tours for seniors to Edmonton and elsewhere.
Playing bridge was Norma’s passion. She ran Bridge Tournaments at Pine Bungalows in Jasper and Hinton and assisted as Jasper Park Lodge. At Good Companions, she taught bridge to beginners who said “Norma was like a mother to all of us…and taught us to be fine bridge players."
Norma had grace. She was loving, giving and forgiving. She accepted and welcomed everyone and never had an unkind word to say about anyone. There will never be another Norma. All of us miss her so much.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 11th, 2012 at 1:00 PM at Our Lady of the Foothills Catholic Church in Hinton, Alberta with Father Brian Inglis, Celebrant.
Cremation will follow this service.
In lieu of other tributes, donations if desired may be made to the Hinton General Hospital
1280 Switzer Drive, Hinton, Alberta, T7V 1V2 in memory of Norma Kathleen Franche.
HINTON FUNERAL SERVICES, 780 – 865 – 1234 entrusted with all arrangements.
To send condolences on line, please visit our website at www.edsonfuneralhome.com
The Foothills Memorial Chapel
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