Norma M. HANSON

Norma M. Antonini (Hanson) October 2, 1925 October 26, 2009 It is with great sadness that the family of Norma Antonini announces her passing on October 26, 2009 at the age of 84 years. She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Eric Antonini and her children Rick (Clare), Lindy (Craig Newby), Mark (Shelley Campbell), Sandy (Kirk Ready), Roger (Claire) and Neil (Karla); grandchildren Dominic and Daniel, Clay and Jan, Elspeth and Carleen, Bryce, Chelsea and Coral, Mackenna and Sydney; great grandson Eric; and sisters-in-law Anne Hanson, Jo MacDougall and Joan Daley. Norma was predeceased by her parents Ellef and Esther Hanson and by her brother, Ken Hanson. Norma was born in Regina and grew up in Lajord, SK. Upon graduation from high school in 1943 Norma taught grades 1 through 12 in a one room school in Davin, SK. In 1946 she entered nursing training at the Regina General Hospital and received her Registered Nursing Diploma and the award for Medical Nursing in 1949. While training in Fort San, SK, Norma met Eric who was installing floors at the sanitorium. They married in 1949. Norma and Eric moved to Saskatoon in 1953. Norma devoted her life to her husband and six children, to her community, nursing and music. She was a proficient homemaker, seamstress and knitter. Her knitting needles were always busy, even at her children's sporting events. She was active in school, church, and community organizations and was on the board of directors of Jubilee Residences for 23 years. In 1982 she was named as one of a hundred Saskatoon residents honored for contributing significantly and unselfishly to the quality of life in Saskatoon. In 1974 Norma returned to the profession of nursing and joined the nurses at the Saskatoon City Hospital where she worked for 15 years. She loved her work as a nurse and was respected and admired by her nursing friends, doctors and patients. Norma was very musical and shared her love of music with family and friends. She played the piano and organ for church and social events, but her first love was the mandolin that her parents gave her when she was 14. Playing with the Saskatoon Mandoleers, the Saskatoon Jammers and the San Diego Mandolin Orchestra gave her great pleasure. Norma and Eric were fortunate to travel often but they most enjoyed spending winter months in San Diego. They loved playing bridge and golf and at the age of 74 Norma scored two holes-inone. In 1998 her health began to fail and sadly her condition severely compromised her ability to enjoy the many friends, family and activities she loved so dearly. A celebration of Norma's life will be held on Friday, November 6, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church, 222 Willow Street, Saskatoon, SK. Norma's family would like to thank Dr. Boechler and the staff at Stensrud Lodge including the dining room staff who were so good to Eric and Norma. Also thanks to friends Dave Lockerby and Gerry Regnier who came to Stensrud Lodge to play music with Norma. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the TOP OF THE ROCK FUND at Cosmo Industries or to Jubilee Residences. Condolences may be e-mailed to normaa@sasktel.net. Published in the Regina Leader-Post on 10/28/2009 Published in the Saskatoon StarPhoenix on 10/28/2009