Obituaries

 
NORMA RAE SPARLING
(nee FREEBORN)
   On Friday, October 7, 2016 at 7:45 p.m., Norma passed away peacefully in her sleep at the Riverview Health Centre after a brave battle with cancer. Norma will never be forgotten and will be dearly missed by family and friends alike.
   Norma is survived by her loving husband, Garry Sweeting; her mourning mother, Rae Freeborn, mother-in-law, Chris Sweeting, son, Darcy Sparling, stepson, Corley Sweeting (Lindsay), stepdaughter, Cara Sweeting (Cory) and grandchild, Owen. Brothers, Garth Ross (Gloria), Barry Ross and family; brothers-in-law, Brian Ransome, Clarence Sweeting, Len Sweeting (Marg), and Robert Sweeting (Willadeane); sisters-in-law, Marjorie Rose (Jack), Donna Thurston, Connie Morrell, and Bonnie Hartley (Garth); nieces, Melanie, Shelley, Tracy, Suzanne, Claudia, Bev, Carmen, Diana, Elaine, Kimberly, Dianna, Tammy, Christine, and Angie; nephews, Scott, Chris, Craig, Eddie, Glen, Richard, Brian, Bobby, Tim, Terry, Darcy, Darren, Keith, and Derek; cousins, Jerry and Claire Freeborn; and all other extended family and friends. She was predeceased by her father, Fred Freeborn; sister, Bonnie Ransome; father-in-law, Claude Sweeting; brother-in-law, Ron Sweeting; brother-in-law, Rick Morrell; brother-in-law, Bob Thurston and niece, Debbie Thurston.   On August 4, 1949, Norma was born in Carman, MB. She would often reminisce about her fun childhood on the farm (in Mather, MB) and all of the ‘trouble’ that her sister, cousins, and friends would get into. As a young adult in the late ‘60s, Norma entered her first marriage and eventually became a proud mother at the age of 23. She resided in Winnipeg and then Brandon until the early ‘80s, when her marriage ended amicably.   In 1983, Norma met Garry in Rapid City at a social. In search of a new start, they eventually settled back in Winnipeg. Garry and Norma were always on the go; they were never the type to just let life happen to them. Together, they enjoyed over 33 years of great times!     Norma took great pride in being style-conscious. After 25+ years at The Bay—working for Estée Lauder, in the jewelry department and (later on) in ladies fashion as a Supervisor—she retired.   At this point, Garry and Norma could often be found on the golf course. Granted, Norma was often more focused on driving the golf cart and taking pictures of the various wildlife along the way—which, in all honesty, she probably loved more than the golf itself—but, her swing was an ever-improving work in progress, as she would be all too happy to inform you…any excuse to enjoy mother nature.   Norma always loved music and she adored dancing (and occasionally singing) along to country, rock, and dance music! Up until a few months before entering palliative care, she could be found leading the dance pack to the beat at the St. James – Assiniboia 55+ Centre. She never stopped in her pursuit of fun and making new friends.   Her sense of humor was on display until the very end: to get an idea of it, she recently recalled her love of The Carol Burnett Show and Tim Conway’s work; in her eyes, he was the cream of the crop!   Always the first to help anyone in need, Norma was selfless when it came to relieving the suffering or discomfort of others. No one could deny that she always had the best of intentions with everyone that crossed her path! She loved spending time with friends and loved her family to a fault. Norma was thrilled to be reunited with her long lost brothers, Garth and Barry (and families), after too many years of being separated. In the last couple of years, her grandchild (Owen) never failed to bring a big, bright smile to her face.   The cavalier attitude that Norma (aka “Stormy”) had adopted in the face of her cancer diagnosis was really something else…she simply had no fear of it: pity the cancer, was her attitude! She had a positive outlook and kept her wits about her until the very end. We will always love you, Mom.   A big round of thank-you’ s goes out to all of the nurses and Dr. Tim Hiebert at the Riverview Health Centre; they really came through for Norma (and all of us, really) with their amazing support in helping her to find peace.   Norma’s Funeral Service will be held on Friday, October 14, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. in Wojcik’s Funeral Chapel 1020 Main Street @ Manitoba Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba.   Wojcik’s Funeral Chapels & Crematoriums, Winnipeg, 1020 Main Street 204.586.8668 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com