It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear wife and mother Norma McConnell on March 9, 2014. Norma was born May 20, 1937 in West Hartlepool, County Durham, England. She spent a happy childhood there and then immigrated to Canada in 1965 settling in Edmonton, Alberta. There she met the love of her life John William McConnell and they were married in Chilliwack on December 1, 1973. To their union came two children: Shaun in 1975 and Shari in 1976. They joined Jayne, Norma's daughter from a previous marriage and her three were the "Bees Knees" to her. She was the loveliest and most gracious of mothers. Her children adored her and John, Jayne, Shaun, and Shari were her world and her reason for being. While raising children was definitely a gift of hers, another was her secretarial skills and her ability to run an entire office. Norma had amazing typing and shorthand abilities. She worked as the personal secretary for the Minister of Advanced Education of Alberta and then as the executive secretary for The Faculty of Physical Education at The University of Alberta. Later after Norma and John had moved to Chilliwack they managed the Golden West Motel together for many years. They loved working along side each other. Norma was a perpetually happy and positive person always looking for the best in others. In fact she was nicknamed "sunshine" by her coworkers and this in fact was what she brought to the life of everyone she knew. She loved to sing and would constantly be humming or singing around the house. Norma also loved to read, knit, shop, spend time with family and go for long picturesque drives where she would enjoy not just the scenery but the beauty of each and every element of God's creations. She especially loved the fall and the trees. Norma was thrilled at the birth of each and everyone of her grandchildren. She loved them all. They were her "pets, chucks, lambs and loves". She thrilled at everything they did and Dallin, Ashton, Jocelyn, Bryanne, Marin and Autumn knew how much they were adored by her. Her joy was magnified as a great grandchild, Renne, was added to the family just over a year ago. Norma had great love and admiration for her two son-in-laws Steve and Troy as well. She leaves them all to mourn her loss as well as many other family and friends. Her beloved John will especially miss her. Despite his own battle with cancer he lovingly and faithfully took care of Norma right till the end of her earthly sojourn. A stickler for manners Norma would want us to be sure we properly acknowledge and express gratitude for the exceptional and attentive care she received from the nursing staff at the Chilliwack Hospital, the nursing staff at Cascade Hospice, Dr. Melanie Madill, and Dr. Bull. Thank each and every one of you so much. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Monday March 17, 2014 at The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints located at 6300 Tyson Road Chilliwack, B.C. with Bishop David Robinson officiating. A reception to meet with the family will be held at the church prior to the service from 10:00am-11:00am. Interment will be at the Chilliwack Cemetery following the funeral.