Obituary of Norma Helen Kalaman

NORMA HELEN KALAMAN (nee Bens)

Norma, late of Regina, SK passed away peacefully and with dignity on Friday, May 17, 2013 after a courageous journey with Alzheimers. During her final moments before she walked into the loving arms of Jesus, she was surrounded by family as she took her final breath of earthly life. She is now in heaven, singing and dancing with the Lord, where not only her memory is now restored, but also her awareness and recognition of people, places, pets, and events. She was born on Tuesday, November 7, 1939 in Cudworth, SK. She was predeceased by her parents, John and Margaret; brother and sister in infancy, John and Margaret; sister-in-law Annie Bens; and numerous aunts and uncles. She is survived and will be lovingly remembered by her loving husband of 37 years, Leonard; devoted sons, Devan and Darren; stepson, Garth (Debbie); stepdaughters, Linda, and Donna (Bob); grandsons, Daric, Tyler, and Dallas; granddaughter, Megan; brothers and sisters, Ben, Ted (Christa), Sister Viola, Virginia (Steve), Ron (Else), Anna Marie (Russell), Lawrence (Lois), Mary (Jerry), Cathy (Roy), Jack (Mary), and Edward (Orle); aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins, and extended families. She spent the majority of her adult life in Regina where she worked at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre not only as a Certified Nursing Assistant and Unit Clerk for more than 20 years, but also as a volunteer for more than 10 years after her retirement. She was a loving, caring, kind, compassionate, giving, understanding, genuine, loyal, faithful, trustworthy, and spiritual wife, mother, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, colleague, and friend. She had a passion for music, and she empowered her sons to become the musicians (singers, pianists, organists, and pipe organists) that they are today. She was an active member of three Roman Catholic parishes in Regina: St. Peter’s, Holy Trinity, and St. Mary’s; she sang in the church choirs at St. Peter's and St. Mary's. At home, she also loved playing her Wurlitzer full pedal church organ. She loved flowers, plants, and gardening. She also loved her dog, Mitsy. Everyone (Mitsy included) loved and craved anything that she cooked, including her: famous chocolate chip cookies; pancakes; dill pickles; fried chicken that hands down beat Colonel Sanders' secret recipe; kuchen; and, mashed potatoes and gravy. She was the primary driver of the family car, "Martha". She was always there to "raise you up"; when you had challenges or difficulties. Her laugh, smile, determination, courage, voice, intellect, wisdom, musical talent, creativity, acceptance of diversity, and ultimately her whole presence as a wonderful human being will be missed by all that loved her. Leonard, Devan, and Darren express their heartfelt thanks to those staff at the General Hospital who tried everything possible (and did so with compassion and dignity in mind) to keep her on earth over a 24 hour period of time. A service of song, prayer, and remembrance will be held at St. Mary's R.C. Church, 2026 Winnipeg Street, Regina, SK on Friday, May 24, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family R.C. Church, 1021 McCarthy Blvd. North, Regina, SK on Saturday, May 25, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. Lunch will be served immediately following Mass. Interment to follow at Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery where all are welcome. Flowers, plants, food, and warm memories of remembrance are graciously accepted during this time. Norma Kalaman will be forever loved and forever remembered. May she rest in peace in the loving arms of God. To leave an online memorial candle and message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com