MacKeigan; Norma

Norma Alice MacKeigan née MacBain 21 June 1930 – 17 June 2020 passed peacefully at the Ottawa Civic Hospital knowing her children were with her shortly after a stroke. Predeceased by her husband Dan Charles “Chas” MacKeigan Fl Lt RCAF (Retd.) and survived by her children Dan and Katherine, grand children Megan, Lauren, Morgan and Connor, great grandson Forrest and siblings Muriel and Doug.
Norma’s early childhood was in Meagher’s Grant Nova Scotia – a homestead in her family since the 18th century. She enjoyed reciting her extensive family tree and the area’s history to her children. Norma attended Horton Academy, then Acadia University, graduating with the class of 1949. Off to Montreal to an apartment of fellow young professional women all with tight budgets, she enjoyed seeing the famous American bands which performed there. After marrying she followed her husband’s military postings around Canada, accumulating Curling Trophies and a reputation as a Skip. She began a family and worked outside the home until pausing her professional life to concentrate on raising a family. By 1970 with her children now older she obtained her Teachers Certificate – which meant commuting to Toronto -and a BA from Carleton University. A long second career as an Ottawa High School Teacher at Belcourt, Rideau, Laurentian, Woodroffe, Lisgar, Glebe and the High School of Commerce ensued. After retiring she remained in the family home in Ottawa, which meant decades of encountering former students while out and about.
Norma enjoyed travelling, bringing one or more kids with her overseas when possible, with highlights being Western and Southern Europe trips, Morocco and a tour of west and east Africa culminating in Nairobi. She always travelled many times accompanying Katherine and her grand-daughter on business trips. Slowing down after defeating cancer – fortunately caught early - Norma enjoyed her home in Alta Vista, while remotely following the career trajectories of her children and grandchildren. Occasionally lamenting the prolonged absences this caused, her favourite phrase was “I raised successful independent children and now I’m paying the price.” She leveraged her computer skills to enable her own independence and ability to live at home until she passed, but grateful to neighbours who kept a watchful eye and helped out, and many tradespeople who went the extra mile for her. A Visitation and Funeral will be held at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry 315 McLeod St. (at O'Connor) on Thursday June 25, 2020. Norma will rest, as long-planned with her husband in Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa. A family service will be held, attendance will be restricted as a COVID-19 precaution. For those wishing, they may view the service Thursday June 25 2020 at 12:45 pm. A link will be provided on our website.

Condolences/Tributes/Donations
www.hpmcgarry.ca
613-233-1143


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