NORSTROM

It is with deep sorrow we announce the unexpected passing of Winnifred “Winnie” Elaine Amie Norstrom (née Bushey) of Rimbey, Alberta. She passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, November 20, 2022 at the age of 77 years, reunited in heaven with her loving husband Gene.

Winnie was born in Rimbey in March of 1945 to Wilfred and Amy Bushey, the eldest of six children, and spent her childhood on the family farm in the Lavesta area. Her early schooling took place at the Lavesta School, then a year at Buck Lake, later finishing her education in Bluffton.

One day while walking down the street in Bluffton with her cousin, Virginia, a handsome young man working at the Esso Bulk Station approached Winnie and asked her out on a date. Their first date was a movie in Rimbey at the theatre. In 1962 Winnie and Gene became engaged and were married in September of that year.

Winnie and Gene resided in Bluffton and started their family shortly thereafter with the births of Raymond, Dean, and Steven. During this time Winnie was not only raising her own family, but also babysitting for other families. In 1972 the family moved to Rimbey, and a couple years later Brent completed the family of four boys.

In those early years, Winnie loved spending time camping, fishing, and being a loud, cheering hockey mom to her boys! Visiting the farm in Lavesta was also an important weekly venture for Winnie and her family, where many fond gatherings took place.

Winnie was baptized, confirmed, and married at the Zion Lutheran Church. Being raised and having a Christian life was very important to her. She was an active member, and served on the board of the LWML and the church’s Ladies Aide. She also joined the choir and had a beautiful singing voice.

Winnie’s first job, outside of being a homemaker, was working at the Rimbey Beauty Salon. Her next job was at the Rimbey Co-op, starting first in the bakery and then in the meat department. Winnie ended her working career with employment at the Parkland Manor as the supervisor of housekeeping.

Winnie also enjoyed many hobbies and loved being creative. She especially accomplished a lot of crocheting, a pastime she greatly enjoyed. Together with her sister Michelle, they pursued candle-making, building Christmas centre pieces, and drying sliced apples to make rose bouquets which they sold at the Rimbey Market. Winnie also loved to bake, and she poured her love, heart, and soul into it. It was always a treat to taste her fresh-baked bread or buns, lefse, potato donuts, or a delicious jelly roll.

Most important in Winnie’s life was her family, and spending as much time as she could with them. And when playing any type of card game or horseshoes, she was always up for a challenge and was quite competitive.

Winnie is survived by her loving children Raymond (Kathy), Dean (Jennifer), Steven (Bob), and Brent (Natasha); as well as her cherished grandchildren Jordan (Stephanie), Mitchell (Jacqueline), Connor, Kristin, Megan (Nic), and Logan; and precious great grandchildren Colter and McKenna. She is also survived by her sisters Melody (Bob) Hansen, Myla (Brian) Hansen, and Michelle (Garry) Zelasek; her sister-in-law Velma Capaniuk; brother-in-law Harvey Norstrom; and brother-in-law Rick Gibson; in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Winnie also leaves to mourn her passing, her best friend Ruth Donald.

She was predeceased just a short time ago by her beloved husband of 60 years, Gene. Winnie was also predeceased by her parents Wilfred and Amy; her sister Sharon Bushey; her brother David Bushey; along with her brother-in-law Jim Capaniuk; brother-in-law Dale and his wife Dorothy Norstrom; sister-in-law LaVerne Norstrom; sister-in-law Rita Gibson; and her father- and mother-in-law Harry and Gertie Norstrom.

A public Funeral Service in Celebration of Winnie’s Life will be held at the Zion Lutheran Church, Rimbey on Friday, December 2, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Mark Schultz officiating. Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Iola Fairview Cemetery, Bluffton.

If friends desire, memorial tributes in Winnie’s memory may be made directly to the Zion Lutheran Church, Box 133, Rimbey, Alberta T0C 2J0; or to the charity of one’s choice.

Thoughts and messages to the family may be shared through the condolence area located at the bottom of this page.

Service and Burial Arrangements for the Late Winnifred “Winnie” Elaine Amie Norstrom (née Bushey)

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