Norma Elizabeth (Costello) McIver of Stratford passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 30, 2022.
Born January 26, 1924, to parents John and Mary (Jordan) Costello in Logan Twsp., she married her one true love, Joseph McIver, on July 7, 1945. Norma and Joe began growing their family with the birth of their first daughter, Donna, during the severe winter storms of 1947. They were gifted with 10 more children. Cherished mother of Donna McGuinness, Judy Bingham, Harry McIver (Sherry), Kenneth McIver, Carolyn McIver (Gary Dietrich), Joan Dietrich, Marilyn Dietrich, Patrick McIver, Daniel McIver, Christine McIver and Joseph McIver. Forever in the hearts of her 21 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren. Dear sister of Marion Simmons and Marie Bannon, and beloved mother-in-law of Nancy Pridham. She will be missed by many nieces, nephews and friends around the world.
Norma is predeceased by her husband Joseph (1985), her sons Kenneth (in infancy, 1950), and Patrick (1977), her sister Gladys Hunt and seven brothers, Gerald, Leo, Charlie, Jack, Kenneth, Jerry and Fergus Costello, her sons-in-law Ken Bingham, Jack Dietrich and Brian Dietrich, her granddaughters Heather Padington and Crystal Thibeault and by several close friends. She was a faithful member of St. Patrick’s Church in Kinkora and Immaculate Conception Church in Stratford, Ontario. During her life she volunteered her time with many organizations, most notably the Catholic Women’s League (75+ years), Friends of the Festival Stratford, church choirs, and the Quilting Bee at Immaculate Conception Church.
Norma was nominated for Citizen of the Year in 2005 in Stratford. After finishing business school at Loretto Academy in Stratford (1942), Norma settled in Toronto where she was employed at John Inglis as an inspector of Bren light machine guns, then as an executive assistant at Nerlich Imports until she returned to Perth County with her husband. Norma was a woman of many talents including quilting, crocheting, public speaking, bowling, making handmade Christmas chocolates, baking trays of cinnamon buns and delicious loaves of bread, as well as scrumptious chocolate chip cookies and the very best butter tarts ever! In the early 1980s until her retirement, Norma was employed at a sporting goods store, a leather shop, and a jewellery store in Stratford.
Her personable manner and efficiency resulted in many well satisfied customers. She spent many hours sewing precious crib quilts for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. With family and friends she travelled to Hawaii, Ireland, Cape Breton, Quebec, Nashville and beyond. Bingo, Euchre, Church fundraising and Festival Theatre events with friends and family were pleasant outings Norma enjoyed. Norma had a witty sense of humour, a beautiful singing voice and was thankful for all her blessings until her last breath.
Many thanks for the wonderful care she received from River Garden Retirement Residence, Rotary Hospice Stratford and Wildwood Care Centre St. Mary’s. Visitation will be held at the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford on Friday, July 8th, from 2-6 p.m. Funeral service to follow on Saturday, July 9th at 11:00 am at St. Joseph’s Church Stratford, with burial at St. Patrick’s cemetery, Kinkora. A luncheon will follow at St. Patrick’s Parish Hall, Kinkora. As expressions of sympathy memorial donations may be made to MS Society of Canada or ALS Society of Canada through the W. G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St, Stratford. 519.271.7411. Those who wish to join the service from the comfort of their home via Live Stream may click here.
