Norma Joyce Thompson (Hilton) was born on October 13, 1939 to George and Johanna (Gibson) Hilton. This day was significant because she shared the same birthday with her Dad. She was born on the family farm and was the second oldest of the four "Hilton sisters." Her early school years were spent at Glyndwr where the four sisters would arrive by horse and buggy or sleigh. High school years were spent at Saltcoats and Bredenbury. She was from a farming family with all girls so there was no gender discrimination for the many tasks required. The girls collected eggs from chickens, rode the horses bare back to get the cattle from the pasture, milked cows, drove the tractor, hauled hay and made haystacks. In the winter they enjoyed skating on the sloughs. After graduation she spent time working for local families as a hired girl and mother's helper before moving to Regina to work with SaskTel as a Telephone operator. On June 10, 1960 she was married to Don Thompson in Regina, SK. As they began their life together, winters were spent in Calgary or Edmonton and back to the farm in the summer. They began to build their permanent family home in 1964 where she continued to live throughout her life. She became a very busy homemaker with five children, a large garden and many hired hands to feed on the farm. She maintained a busy lifestyle with her commitment to family pursuing their activities. Family was always her priority and guests were always welcome to her home with generous hospitality. She enjoyed baking, cooking, gardening, sewing and music. She had an exceptional talent for piano and was a gifted player who could play by note or by ear. She was a natural teacher who encouraged others to learn with her easy patience. After the loss of her husband, she quickly had to take on the full responsibility of the family farm and found the other side of farming to be extremely enjoyable and rewarding. She was proud to have earned the Thompson Century Family Farm award in 2006 and to be a part of the history in the community. As grandchildren arrived they became her pride and joy. She was a proud supporter of their many sporting and schooling events. Crokinole tournaments were often won by "Grammie" and you were lucky if she was your partner for her accuracy in the game. Fun teasing and banter would be heard during a round and everyone had a laugh regardless of the winner. The cookie jar was always full and she playfully shared her wisdom with the next generation. Norma was a natural beauty, a loyal friend with a generous heart and playful spirit. She had an appreciation for nature and enjoyed the beauty and traditions of the change of seasons. She especially enjoyed lady slipper and crocus hunts and watching the various wildlife in her yard. She enjoyed traveling with family and was especially fond of family trips across Canada. Hawaii became her favorite vacation spot and she had the opportunity to visit a few times in recent years. True to her nature, she was always the gracious host even while on vacation. Norma's passion was her family and she will be sadly missed by all who knew her. She was predeceased by her husband Don and her parents George and Johanna Hilton. She is survived by her children; Tracy Oliver (Gordon), Robin MacDonald (John), Bradley Thompson (Corinna), Corinne Mark (Edwin) and Twila Kardynal (Greg); 11 grandchildren; Reid and Ainsley Oliver, Shelby, Cassidy and Gillian MacDonald, Lindsay, Brayden, Tayler and Sean Thompson and Tyson and Teagan Simon; sisters; Thelma Hilton-Wenc, Dorothy Hilton and Florence Hutchings; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Services were held on Sunday, October 5, 2014 from the Saltcoats Town Hall with Reverend Walter Farquharson officiating. The Processional Music was a taped medley of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. The organist, Ruth Datema and members of the Saltcoats United Church Choir (and friends) led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "All Things Bright and Beautiful", "For the Fruit of All Creation" and "In The Bulb There is a Flower". Family members shared words of tribute and eulogy in honour of Norma's life. Linda Datema and Connie Taylor sang "Hallelujah" accompanied on guitar by Carla Laycock and Theresa Laycock. The Recessional Music was a taped music selection of Vera Lynn singing "We'll Meet Again" and the congregation was invited to sing along. This was followed by another of Norma's favorite songs, "My Favorite Things" by Julie Andrews. Prior to both the Funeral Service and the reception, a photo tribute chronicling Norma's life was shared with the congregation. A private family interment service took place in the Saltcoats Town Cemetery with Tyson Simon, Lindsay Thompson, Brayden Thompson, Tayler Thompson, Reid Oliver, Shelby MacDonald and Cassidy MacDonald serving as the casket bearers. Donations in Norma's name may be made to Ovarian Cancer Canada (www.ovariancanada.org) as tokens of remembrance. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, SK.
