Sister Doreen Norman (formerly Sister Richard Marie)
July 24, 1930 – December 11, 2023
Sister Doreen was born in Kitchener Ontario, Canada. She attended St. John’s School where she was taught by SSNDs. Prior to entering Notre Dame she worked in a radio factory. It was a former teacher who inspired her to enter the candidature. In July 1948 she was received as Novice Richard Marie and professed her vows on July 29, 1949.
Sister Doreen served as homemaker in convents in Welland, Waterdown, Owen Sound and St. Agatha. In 1964 she became certified as a Stationary Engineer, the first woman in Ontario to be certified. She served in this capacity for 12 years taking care of the boilers in the motherhouse in Waterdown. She also, looked after the Waste Water Treatment Plant and electrical plumbing. During this time she upgraded her knowledge with related courses including seminars in Pennsylvania. Being mechanically skilled, she was often called upon to fix and repair, which she willingly did even if the job was challenging. To quote Bob Hudson, our devoted engineer, “Sister Doreen worked from dawn to dusk and never complained.” For a few years she also, managed the boarders dining room and worked in the large vegetable garden.
Beginning in 1985 Sister Doreen was involved in pastoral ministry visiting the sick and elderly in Newmarket, Ontario. In 1994 she moved to England where she assisted in parishes in Huyton, Barnsley and Woolwich.
She returned to the motherhouse in Waterdown in 1998 and was co-ordinator of transportation, driving sisters to appointments and servicing the fleet of cars. From 2002 to 2008 she lived in Sioux Narrows, Ontario. On her return to Waterdown, she enjoyed working in the Jubilee flower garden along with her colleague, Sister Katharine Reiter. Plants for each section of the large garden were carefully chosen and arranged. “Gardening, especially flower gardening, is a pleasant, therapeutic and gratifying occupation. We enjoy working in God’s outdoors helping to create beauty which can be enjoyed by all.”
Sister Doreen’s spiritual life and dedication to community were foremost. She was always pleasant, serene and smiling. Helping others in various ways was important to her.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on December 16, officiated by our chaplain, Rev. Michael McHugh, followed by internment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Burlington. Family members, friends and associates were present.
She is predeceased by her parents, two sisters and two brothers. Her brother, Richard, is her living sibling.
May she experience the fullness of God’s love for all eternity.
S. Joan Helm SSND
