Obituary of Norma Girdwood

Norma Girdwood

With heavy hearts, yet grateful for the long and happy life she lived, the family announces the peaceful passing of Norma Jean Girdwood at the Arnprior District Memorial Hospital early Wednesday, October 8, 2025. Her family was by her side, holding her hands and whispering their love into her ears as she left our world a little less bright. She was 91 beautiful years young.

Norma was born on June 17, 1934 to the late Norman and Muriel Burke. Her family brought her so much joy and she was a devoted Mom to Heather (late Kevin) Turcotte, Karen (Kevin) Ryan, Wayne (Sharon) Girdwood, and Brian (Michelle) Girdwood. They loved her dearly. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Chris (Andrea) and Natalie (Chris Morris) Turcotte, Melissa and Marcus Ryan, Kurtis (Sarah) and Kendra Girdwood, and her seven great-grandchildren: Caelen and Paetra Turcotte, Ryan and Cole O’Hara, Corbin Morris and Phillip and Freddie Girdwood. They adored their Grandma and GG, also lovingly known as “supergram”. They will forever remember her boundless energy, chasing them up snowy hills to toboggan and all her homemade desserts she faithfully brought to every occasion.

She will be deeply missed by her siblings: Olive (late Cameron) Ireton, Ruby (late Ron) Blair, Gordon (late Jean) Burke, and Doreen (Ron) Watt. She was predeceased by her sisters and brother and their spouses: Wilma (Jack) Fairbairn, Vivian (Arnold) Fleming, and Ed (Wynn) Burke.

Norma was a woman of style and grace. You never saw her without her hair styled, often in a perm, and a stylish outfit to match. Even in her final days, she was still enjoying having her hair styled. Hardworking and determined, she worked until her 80th year and gave generously of her time as a volunteer in her community She was a long-time member of Arnprior and District Breast Cancer Support Group after winning her battle against breast cancer. In 2012 she was honoured for being 50 years cancer free! She loved a good game of euchre and was often the last to leave a party. If she couldn’t find a fourth for cards, she taught 25 Down to ensure the games went on!

Her adventurous spirit carried her on many trips, especially with her sister Vivian. On her last family trip in 2018 to Banff, no one could slow her down! She was determined to join in on every hike, and never once agreed to take it easy. She also loved curling, golf and cross-country skiing and stayed active for many years. Norma’s warm heart also touched the lives of many friends and neighbours. She loved the company of her dear friends Betty, Millie, Doris, and Flossie.

Family and friends may pay their respects during visitation at the Pilon Family Funeral Home in Arnprior on Monday evening, October 13^th from 6 to 8 p.m. and again on Tuesday morning, October 14^th from 9:45 to 10:45. A Service in Memory of Norma will take place in the Pilon Family Chapel on Tuesday morning at 11 o’clock. Interment Malloch Road Cemetery, Arnprior. A reception will follow at Pilon’s.

In memory of Norma, please consider donations to the Arnprior, Braeside and McNab Seniors at Home Support Program or the Prior Chestnuts.

When you see the fall leaves changing colour, think of Norma. She loved autumn drives to admire the vibrant colours of the trees!

“We are so thankful for the years, memories, and love we shared with her. We miss you, and we will carry your love with us always.”