Noreen Wigle

R.N., B.A, O.N.

May 18, 1929 - Apr. 25, 2012

Died peacefully at home in Hamilton, Ontario. Noreen Irma Hendry Smeed Ross (nee McFarlane) Wigle will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Devoted and loving mother of sons Ian (Barb Crowther) of Toronto, Ross (Gloria Pizio) of Ancaster, and Thom (Mary Ellen) of Mississauga. Cherished grandmother of Hannah and Martin, and aunt of Sara Auckland of Ottawa. Predeceased by her beloved husband Seymour, sister Margaret “Markie” Auckland and parents Margaret Ross McFarlane and Ian Ritchie McFarlane. Seymour was her soulmate, and it was evident that the acceptance of her illness, and the grace with which she lived her final months, were guided by her knowledge that she would once again be with him. Born in Montreal, Quebec, Noreen was raised in Windsor, Ontario. She attended The Bishop Strachan School (BSS) in Toronto and graduated from the School of Nursing, Toronto General Hospital in 1950. She fulfilled her wish for further education by returning to Glendon College - York University to complete a degree in French in 1983. Noreen was active in the community giving of her time and exceptional skills as a hostess, event planner and coordinator helping to raise funds and make a difference to the many community organizations she and Seymour supported, among them The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Botanical Gardens. She was a past member of the Junior League and President of the Women’s Auxiliary for Idlewyld Manor. For 54 years she was a devoted parishioner of Christ’s Church Cathedral in Hamilton serving as a member of the Anglican Church Women (ACW) group, and most notably spearheading the building of the Columbarium in the church, working tirelessly to make it a reality. In 2011 she was honoured with the Order of Niagara (O.N.) for her unceasing commitment to the Anglican Church. Noreen and Seymour enjoyed longtime memberships at the Tamahaac Club and the Hamilton Golf and Country Club. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, smocking and playing bridge with friends. Her outlook was always positive and we will long remember her generosity and willingness to help others. She had an unparalleled flair for entertaining and so enjoyed making her family and others happy; we will miss her kind, caring ways. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the many friends, clergy and personal support workers for their compassion and help and to Dr. Dale Guenter and his team. Once again, Dale’s caring, insight and guidance have been invaluable to the Wigle family. Thank you to all who have been a part of Noreen’s journey. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Noreen’s life will be held at Christ’s Church Cathedral, 252 James St. N., Hamilton ON L8R 2L3 (905-527-1316) on Thursday, May 3, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Christ’s Church Cathedral, or the charity of your choice, would be greatly appreciated.