Norma Audrey Herbacz (Derouard)
October 18, 1950 ~ June 17, 2022
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Norma Herbacz, peacefully with her family by her side, on June 17, 2022 at Lake of the Woods hospital.
Norma will be lovingly remembered by her husband Henry of 51 years, her sons Paul (Loy) and Mark (Treena), grandchildren Mackenzie and Colby Herbacz. Her mother Audrey Derouard of Kenora. Siblings Ruth Herbacz, Mary Derouard, Jim/Zach Derouard, Carol (Dave) Mclean, David (Gloria) Derouard, Richard (Joanne) Derouard, Angela Derouard, Diane (Damon) Derouard, Claudette (Doug) Shaver, Bruce Derouard. Her sister-in-law Darlene Herbacz, Roger (Liz) Herbacz, Lorraine Shier, Arthur (Susan) Herbacz, Donald Herbacz, Ron (Marilyn) Herbacz and numerous nieces and nephews. And her dear friend Jane Read.
She was pre-deceased by her father Roland Derouard and niece Crystal Cunningham. Mother and father-in-law Alice and Arthur Herbacz, brother-in-law George Herbacz Sr., brother-in-law Brian Shier.
Norma met her soul mate and best friend Henry. Once completing her studies at University of Manitoba, they moved to the bush camp while Henry worked for his family company, Tri-lake Timber, and she at Stewart Lake Lodge, here she discovered her love for being in a social work environment. Although roughing it, many fond memories were shared from these times, to where they returned for many summers to camp at Docker with family and friends. They built their forever home on Laurensons Lake. Her careers included Loblaws, evenings serving in the Anchor Lounge in the L.O.W Hotel, eventually moving on to Extra Foods, with each place she made many friends and enjoyed running into them years later to catch up. One of her favorite assignments was doing price checks-allowing extra social time. Later she became a Board Member with the Kenora Catholic District School Board and eventually became staff in the cafeteria at St. Thomas Aquinas Highschool.
Norma always had a love for children, visits were always fun and entertaining. She made the best homemade pizza, cookies, and Kool-Aid. Anytime was a good time to build a fort, have a picnic or go looking for tadpoles and turtles. Scrapes and bruises were easily healed with a kiss and cheese slice band aid. She later opened her heart and home to fostering, positively impacting children’s lives and futures. Each child held a special place in her heart. Norma was affectionally called Auntie Nonna or Gramma Norma by any child that stopped by. She ensured she had a special treat for each one, remembering specifically who liked what.
Norma and Henry spent many years being host to numerous gatherings with family friends and neighbours. From Halloween, toga, the hay-maker’s ball, to birthday parties and weddings, laughter and good times would echo throughout the lake. One could never forget the almost famous hillbilly waterslide. Regardless of the occasion, it was sure to be epic, leaving us with lifelong memories to cherish.
A special thank you to the Nelson family of Vermillion Bay-Nelson Granite and the extra support from Paramed workers Ted, Lisa, and Wanda.
We also would like to extend our appreciation to Dr. Bowerman and the second floor nurses at Lake of the Woods Hospital for their care and compassion.
Celebrating a life well lived, we’d like to extend the invitation to those wishing to share a memory and reminisce, outdoors at the Herbacz residence on Saturday July 9th from 2-4pm.
How lucky we are to have had someone so special that makes saying goodbye so hard.