Nora Gerhardt
May 3, 1936 - January 16, 2017
As published in the January 23, 2017 World-Spectator
Nora Gerhardt passed away peacefully with her family by her side on January 16, 2017 after a lengthy and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Nora was born on May 3, 1936 in Souris, Man. and spent her childhood years growing up on the family farm, near Hayfield, Man.
In 1954 Nora enrolled at the university of Manitoba. It was during this time at University that Nora met the love of her life Les Gerhardt, who was a student in the School of Engineering. After completing her studies with a BA degree in Interior Design in 1958 Nora accepted a position as lecturer at the School of Home Economics. Nora and Les married that year as well, and on May 24, 1958 starting a long and loving relationship.
As Les completed his Engineering degree, Nora worked as a sales consultant at the Hudson’s Bay Co. Store in the Dept. of Furnishings and Interiors in Winnipeg. In the fall of 1959 Nora and Les moved to Regina where Les began his career in engineering. In Regina their first daughter Suzanne was born. Les’ career took the family to Calgary, Montreal and Edmonton where daughter Cathie and sons Geoff and Graham were born.
In 1973 Nora and Les decided to return to their prairie roots. Les resigned his engineering position and they moved to Kipling to raise their family. In Kipling, in addition to being a mother to their four children, Nora was Librarian at the Kipling School —a position she held until her retirement in 1996. Nora also became involved in establishing the Kipling Arts Council with the assistance of other interested people. During her time at the school and Arts Council Nora’s soft and caring, firm but diplomatic nature allowed her to touch and influence the lives of many students, friends and community members.
In 1997 Nora and Les retired to Moosomin where Les had become established as an Investors Representative. They found the community welcoming. Here they built many new and lasting friendships. Nora joined the Moosomin and District Arts Council and served as a board member of the Sask. Association of Arts Councils where she again had an impact on her community.
Nora loved design and art. Her interior design training was always evident in their homes. She got great pleasure from the performing and visual arts. Nora was an avid reader and her love of gardening was evident each summer by anyone walking past their yard.
Nora was a devoted and loving wife and mother, her family was paramount in her life. Her motto for raising the children was “keep the lines of communication open and keep them well fed.”
Nora was predeceased by her parents Robert and Elsie McClement; brother Jim (Bernice) McClement; sister Shirley Czuba; sister Sheila Comely; sister Pat (Bill) Huber; sister Donna (Bill) Owens; and sister Lea (Jim) Fisher.
Nora leaves to mourn Leslie her loving husband of 59 years; daughters Suzanne and Catherine (Scott) Fafard; sons Geoff (Lana) and Graham (Catherine). Grandchildren (Andrew, Johanna, Daniel, Paul, Matthew) Fafard, and (Anthony, Thomas, Saskia, Lindsay) Gerhardt. Great-grandchildren Jack Backhurst and Theo Fafard. Brother Dennis (Gwen) McClement, Brothers-in-law Ray Czuba, Bill Comely, Gerry (Jill) Gerhardt, William (Joan) Balog and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial service was held at Bethel United Church, Moosomin, on Thursday, January 19 with Rev. Joan Rennie-Laing officiating. Interment will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Nora's memory can be made to the Moosomin and District Healthcare Foundation Longterm Care.
Email or sign the online book of condolences at www.carscaddenfuneralchapel.com
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