Nora Rebecca Redmond

On February 1st, Nora Rebecca (henny chicky la-la) Redmond, aka Nonny/Non, returned home to Mom, Dad, big sister Mary and brother-in-law Earle, along with her O’Sullivan and Redmond clans. She was welcomed with shouts of joy, dancing, huge hugs, kisses and a familiar ‘Hello Darling’. Born on April 28, 1952, Nora was a beautiful, funny, quick-witted, and amazingly determined sister and friend.

Nora is predeceased by her parents Bill and Gerry Redmond (O’Sullivan), her sister Mary Lou Redmond (Gary Johnson), and brother-in-law Earle Wadden. She is survived by sisters, Joann (John), Pam (Earle), Lisa (David) and Jen (Brian). She also leaves behind many much-loved nieces and nephews; Heather (Alex, Cassie); Todd (and children); Laura Ann & David (Dustin (Cleo), James, Allister, Jessica,); Andy & Alice (Gilbert); Robby & Sonya (Avi, Nico); Barry & Kay (Wattsy, Mylo); Cai (Godson) & Erin (Cian, Niall); Keely & Jono; Cailin & Aubra (Breton); Olivia & Ryan; Will & Rhayne, Nick; Adam, Andy (Megan), Mary, Gabriel, and so many cousins and friends.

Nora was a party girl who enjoyed singing along to songs, watching her favorite TV shows (Judge Judy, the Baby Show, the Wedding Show), bowling, knitting, and dancing - Nora LOVED going to dances. She was a real Foodie and enjoyed any outing to a restaurant and she sure had her favourites; in fact, that is what got her moving some days. Nora was such a kind soul; she always asked, ‘how are you doing?’ before she would ever share how she was feeling (unless you called at supper and then it was ‘I’m eating, you’re my best friend, I love you, bye, mwah’). Her light was so bright, you could not help feeling better just being in her presence and seeing her gorgeous smile; even a short visit with Non would put a smile on your face and you would feel better for weeks. She was the first one to start clapping with excitement on Christmas morning and birthdays or to a favourite song. Her sense of humour was contagious, and her laugh was one of a kind; even during difficult moments she would find something funny to say. She dearly loved Elvis who visited her on 2 occasions, leaving diamonds for her to show his love. Nora also idolized the Pope and Queen Elizabeth II and, closer to home, she loved her dear friends Archbishop Emeritus Martin Currie and the late Archbishop James Hayes who never failed to make her feel special.

Nora accomplished so much in her life. She was among the first group of special needs children to receive their First Holy Communion in Halifax, thanks to her parents’ tireless advocacy. She was one of the first athletes to compete in the Special Olympics in Halifax and won numerous medals for bowling and ground hockey. She also stood as Maid of Honour in her sister Pam’s wedding. She travelled to Cape Breton many times by train and even independently by plane after her nephew Cai was born, whom she loved to proudly carry around in the snuggly. Nora also travelled to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré on the train and enjoyed visiting Oaklawn Zoo, Shubenacadie Wild Life Park, the Public Gardens and going for drives to the Annapolis Valley. She worked for years at the Adult Service Centre, at both the Oak/Oxford Street and Prescott Street locations. Nora’s volunteer work was very important to her as well; she proudly worked at the Canadian Cancer Society and on the Flowers of Hope campaigns, making friends wherever she went.

Nora loved babies; however, once babies turned to toddlers, she preferred seeing them in pictures and from a well-disciplined distance, until they became adults when she welcomed them back and never stopped asking about them. Like babies, she loved puppies and kittens, drawn by the innocence of the vulnerable. Nora loved parties of any kind, baby showers, anniversaries, wedding showers, and weddings - most recently she attended her nephew Andy’s wedding in St. Andrew’s by the Sea, New Brunswick. For the last year there were many parties in her own home; Western day, Hawaiian day, Christmas parties and many other themed parties allowing her to live her best COVID life.

For the past few decades Nora has lived in a small options home (RRSS) with a loving, supportive family who will miss her deeply. Nora found great joy over the years with her wonderful housemates who were like her brothers and sisters; Al & Brian, and most recently Bev and Christine. They shared many happy times together, going to the beach, going to parties, or just hanging out watching TV and movies, or playing music at home. On special occasions they would get all dolled up and go to Neptune Theatre, the Casino (to see Elvis), the dinner theatre or fancy dances.

To all the staff, whose kindness, patience, unconditional love, and encouragement were essential to Nora’s continued growth and enjoyment of life; we will be forever in your debt. Thank-you especially to Frances, Stacey, Roland, Stephanie, Pat, Nicole, Leanne, Candace, Sarah, Becky, Cailin, Victoria, Amanda, Jess, Jade, Abby, Alex, Brandon (Heartsparks Music Therapy), Cynthia (foot care), Sue (Physiotherapy), Caroline (Allied Nursing Care), Madeline and Oliver (Eucharistic Ministers) and so many, many others.

Over the years, Nora was fortunate to be in the care of many compassionate and knowledgeable doctors and nurses; Dr. Muir, Dr. Lewis, Dr. Ashley, Dr. Thomlinson (affectionately known as Dr. T), Dr. Sulyman and Shonagh Parker, thank-you for the time you dedicated to our sister. To all the paramedics who have cared for Nora over the years on so many transports, we thank-you for your gentleness and understanding. To the amazing, empathetic doctors, nurses, and other staff in the QEII emergency department who tended to Nora with such respect and tenderness in her time of greatest need, we thank-you from the bottom of our hearts. Nora’s final gift was the donation of her organs.

Non, we know you are in heaven enjoying endless plates of fish and chips and a bottomless ice-cold glass of Coca-Cola with cheezies on the side. We are blowing you so many kisses Nonny; you changed the world with your joy.

Memorial service to be held at Snow’s funeral home on Lacewood drive at 2pm Tuesday February 9th, Archbishop Emeritus Martin Currie officiating. Burial to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Donations can be made to the Flowers of Hope campaign or a charity of your choice.