It is with great sadness but also with peaceful hearts, that the family of Noreen Pederson (Hauser) announces her passing on the morning of January 8, 2020 at the age of 77 years.
Noreen leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving husband and her prince, Pat Thompson; daughters, Susan Bertolin (Emanuel) and Annette Koski (Mick); stepdaughters, Cheryl (Jamie) and Heather (Anthony) Thompson as well as grandchildren: Chiara, Matteo, Joe (Johanna), Jack, Adelle and Huxley. Noreen was blessed to have the support of two sisters, Jean Hamilton (Lorne) and Ferne Pederson (Larry) as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, Nord and Ellen; sister, Estelene and granddaughter, Michelle.
Noreen was a teacher in every sense of the word, both at home and at work. She was lucky enough to enjoy a career that was also her passion. Over a teaching career of thirty-three years (the last 26 with the St. Albert Catholic School Board) she had the opportunity to touch many young lives. She was truly a professional and cared deeply about her students. Years after her retirement, she would still be approached by former students who would share their special memories of their time as her students.
At home, there was always a lesson to be shared as well. Whether it was a recipe, a gardening tip, a social grace, an observation or simply the “right” way to fold towels – she never missed the opportunity to help us be the best we could be.
Her grandchildren meant the world to her. She had a unique, special relationship with each of them and made them feel they were capable of anything and everything, because Grandma believed in them. We know that they will tell “Grandma stories” to their children and grandchildren. Her guidance will resonate for generations.
There are times in our lives when we can impact change by working harder, longer or smarter and then there are times when we are faced with circumstances beyond our control. Noreen accepted her diagnosis of brain cancer with grace and dignity, with little fear for herself but rather what it would do to her family. She never failed to thank her caregivers for their help. When her words left her, she would show her appreciation with a smile and often a wink of her bright blue eyes.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the support that came in so many forms – messages, flowers, food, visits, errands, home care – all of it meant so very much. A very special thank you to the remarkable team at Foyer Lacombe. Their compassion and expertise are unparalleled. We are profoundly grateful for their care.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to St. Albert Sturgeon Hospice Association (SASHA). Donations can be made to SASHA, PO Box 65105, Mission Hill Plaza, St. Albert, AB T8N 5Y3 or online at sasha-cares.com
Noreen’s Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Connelly-McKinley, St. Albert Funeral Home, 9 Muir Drive, St. Albert, AB.
Larry and Judith Kostyk says
We were very saddened to hear of Noreen’s passing. Please accept our sincere and heartfelt condolences. We always enjoyed Noreen’s company, her humour and her warm compassionate manner. Are thoughts are with you Pat and all the family.
Sharon Graham says
I think this is very beautiful. Your family was blessed and may that blessing live with you always.
Larry and Michelle Hauser says
To all the family, we send our love and thoughts to all.
Aunt Noreen was special to all of us. I remember her smile, blue eyes and her beautiful hair. She was always so kind and cheerful. She instilled that in her two beautiful daughters Annette and Susan.
We will still be in Mexico on her day of Celebration, but we will be thinking of you all. Memories last forever.
Love Larry and Michelle Hauser
Dennis and Bonnie MacLeod says
So very sorry to learn of Noreen’s passing. So many fond memories of a cousin and of a teacher in Rosalind. She was a lovely lady and will be always in our hearts.
Ross and Alison Young says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Noreen sounded like an amazing mother, grandmother, sister, wife, teacher and friend. Thinking of you all and please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Alison, Ross & family ❤️
Barb Clement says
My Sincere sympathy to Pat, Annette, Susan, Jean, Ferne and entire Family for your loss. I feel privileged to have known this most beautiful lady from inside out and will always remember her for her warm kind heart, voice and gentle laughter. Would like to express my sympathy to not only Noreen for her journey to the end of her life but to all her family for the pain endured in witnessing her journey through to the end……My prayer is that she may now rest in Peace. God Bless ..Love and Peace to All.
Briana and Jesse Hryckowian says
Noreen was such a beautiful soul. We are so saddened by her passing. She was someone who brought warmth love and kindness with her wherever she went. She spoke often of her love for her grandchildren and she made a wonderful great auntie to our children. We will miss her so very much. Sending love to Uncle Pat and all of her family in this time of loss.
Rekha Chugh says
Sending you all love and prayers to face life without her .
Do reach out if you need me in any way????????????????
Darlene Hedin & Family says
We are so sorry for your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you
Connie Gabrieau says
I am so sorry to hear of Aunt Noreen’s passing. She was a special and very kind teacher. She was a beautiful soul. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
Brent and Ellen Hodgins says
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful person. I had the honor of meeting And working with Noreen at SAHS – she was truly what a teacher should be. Pat and family, we are so very sorry for your loss.
Sylvia Champigny says
My deepest sympathy Annette in the passing of your Mum Such a very sad time .Please extend my sympathy to your family. Hugs
Charlotte Kallmeier says
Sending all of our love and thoughts to Uncle Pat and all of Noreen’s family at the very sad time. Xxxxx
Kathy McCormick says
Pat, so very sorry for your loss. We are at the time in our lives when sadness and changes are happening. Thinking of you. Remember the good times. Keep in touch. Would love to connect again. Kathy and Gordon McCormick. ❤️
Dennis Ryan says
My sincere condolences to the family. Noreen’s grace touched and impacted the hearts of all those who knew her. She is now joining the angels who never left her side. In these moments of loss, words are useless. God rest her soul in peace and pray that his angels always be there with you!
Gord and Sue Hauser says
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful lady. Our thoughts and prayers for your families.
Kevin Thompson says
When I first entered the teaching profession, Noreen and Pat were both such a wealth of knowledge to learn from through stories of their own. I knew many students who appreciated Noreens style of teaching. She will be missed!
Leon Lohner says
Please accept my sincerest sympathy in the passing of a special cousin and teacher. Noreen was always a caring and loving person. We will miss her smile and positive attitude. Prayers to the family. Leon
Liz and Murray Inglis says
Dear Pat, we are so very glad to have met you and Noreen in Florida last winter. Our sincerest condolences during this difficult time.
Hugs and prayers, Liz and Murray Inglis
Deb Putnam says
Dear Sue and family, what a beautiful tribute to a very special person. Though I never met your mom I can imagine the spark and inspiration that she was, knowing what she meant to you all and seeing what an amazing family she helped to create. You will miss her deeply. My heart goes out to you all.
Roger & Sharon Olesen says
So sad to hear that Noreen has passed. She was a wonderful lady & has shared that wonder with so many. Best to you Pat, Susan, Annette & all her family. Thank you, Pat for your & Noreen’s visit to Osoyoos. Roger & I will cherish those fun times..
Bill Maxwell says
My sincerest condolence to Pat and the Thompson family. Noreen’s vacation visits to Guelph will be missed.
Dean McKinney says
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Pat and family today. Noreen was a wonderful lady, teacher, and colleague. Take care.
Carmella Gerlach says
So deeply sad to hear Noreen has passed. I knew her as teacher, colleague and friend. Noreen gave me the best advice that I have treasured and lived by all these years. Gordon and I send our condolences to Pat, her daughters.
“Losing the mother is like losing the sun…” -Life of Pi
Carey Pederson says
Very well said….. last time I saw her she told me I was to old to call her Aunty….I looked at her and she smiled and had a teasing twinkle in her eyes…. I laughed and still called her Aunty. I have so many memories of us 4 girls spending sooo much time at the house in Rosalind…..Aunty Noreen was always smiling and laughing.
Colette Chieco (Brisson) says
So sorry for your loss. Had her as a typing teacher may years ago (also went to school with Annette) and thought she was so patient and kind.
Colette Chieco (Brisson)
Joe Prins says
Annette, so sorry to read about your mom. My sincerest condolences to you and your family.
Gary Miller says
Pat…so very sorry for your loss. My condolences. Please take care.
Wilf & Janice Eastwood & family says
Dear Susan and Annette: Wilf & I are so very shocked and saddened to hear of your Mom’s passing. We have such fond memories of her, she was such a lovely lady! I remember when our son Rob was just a baby and you girls so sweet and little, the time your Mom babysat him. I have a photo of the huge grins on your faces while you girls and your mom were giving him his bath. He was so loved and spoiled that weekend! Please accept our sincerest condolences, and know our thoughts are with you!
Bernice Schlaut-Macfarlane says
Sincere sympathy to Noreen’s family from the Schlaut families. Our family lived a short distance from the Pederson farm. May the good memories that you hold of Noreen help to sustain you during this difficult time.
Eileen and Orest Semchishen says
Please accept our sincere sympathy in the loss of Noreen. I remember her as my younger cousin and very good friend to my sister Phyllis. I know what a special person she was. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bill and Ann Olson says
We send our deepest sympathy to Pat and Family on Noreen’s passing. We will always have fond memories of her. Bill and Ann Olson and Family
Bruce Olesen says
Such a lovely beautiful lady. We will miss her.
Our condolences to her family. Love. Bruce and Delphy
Don and Cathi Cross says
We were saddened to hear of Noreen’s passing. Our lives were better to have known her and in turn our daughters were blessed to have had her as a teacher. We wish you strength and peace in knowing that she is now being held in the loving hands of God.
Sincerely,
Don and Cathi Cross
Jim MacLeod and family says
Pederson and Hamilton families, sending sincere condolences in memory of a lovely lady. Fond memories of Noreen’s kind and graceful nature since the first time I met her.