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Obituary: Norma Mary Calliou 1947-2011
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Norma Mary Calliou was born on Aug. 23, 1947, and passed away April 6, 2011 at the age of 63 years.
Norma was born to Mary (Callihoo) and Joseph Edward. The family resided in Big Prairie. In about 1965 they moved to High Prairie. Norma would often return back to Big Prairie to help her grandparents with their needs. Norma was a lifetime resident Of High Prairie.
On Feb. 20, 1968, Norma was blessed with a beautiful daughter who she named Polly-Anne Mary. Then, on April 18, 1970, she was blessed again with another beautiful daughter who she named Amanda Lynn. Her family tree was not complete yet, she was blessed again with her brother Jack’s daughter, Jackie Lynn Wells. Norma devoted her entire being to her three daughters. Norma was very proud of her family and very distinct of her life.
Norma married three times; first to Ronald Cardinal, second To Ronald Willier, where she received Treaty status, then to Wallace Calliou.
Norma was a Godmother to Angela Chalifoux-Thompson and Johnathan Bigcharles. In 1987, Amanda gave birth to Norma’s first grandchild, Russell Manybears. When Russell was two years old, Norma began providing for him and raising him as one of her own. Her other grandchildren are Evan Chalifoux, Tiana Ward, Trinity Ward, Destiny Ward and Russell Ward.
Norma was a daughter who taught insight, a mother who taught compassion, a sister who taught strength, an aunt who taught humility, a cousin who taught freedom, a niece who taught determination, a grandmother who taught respect, a friend who taught kindness, but to all she taught love.
Norma worked as a waitress before entering into the helping field. For the many years she was employed at the MITAA Centre, she practiced empathy and compassion for the clients and her co-workers. A diligent worker, she was punctual and prompt even showing up for work on her days off. Norma showed respect to clients and co-workers, always willing to lend an ear. She displayed wisdom in her choice of words – an intelligent lady exceeded beyond her education.
As Polly-Anne recalls, “I was starting kindergarten, no one called me Polly-Anne, my name was ‘Birdie’. The teacher called her Polly-Anne, she cried and said, ‘My Name Is “Birdie’. The teacher had to call Norma to comfort her little girl.”
Polly-Anne stated that, “She was a hard worker and did her best to raise us right.”
Amanda was 10 years old and was climbing trees. Norma yelled, “Quit climbing trees ‘cause you’ll get hurt.” Norma left for the store and was only gone for a short time. Amanda graduated herself and climbed a flagpole at the Legion Hall. She ripped open her stomach. A man nearby heard the little girl and rushed to her rescue. He called an ambulance. Norma cried as her daughter was being stitched up. Amanda has a scar and reveals in her words, “The experience that I had and the lesson I learned was to always listen to my mother.”
Marilyn had taken Norma to the pawn shop. As Norma browsed through the goods, Marilyn called her to the counter and asked Vern if they “pawn old ladies”. Vern asked, “Does she clean” and Norma replied. “Of course I’m clean, I shower every day!”
Angela Chalifoux called Norma ‘Auntie Popcorn’ because when she seen Norma with a perm in her hair it reminded her of popcorn because it was so curly.
Fran Chalifoux recalls a visit at Norma’s house. Fran was about nine years old and Norma had a little black dog that was outside. The dog started barking and running toward the young Fran nearly biting her. Fran went home and wrote a note saying, “Dear Auntie Norma, your ugly dog tried to bite me. I am mad, I’m going to come flush you down the toilet. Love, Fran.”
Norma would later say, “Don’t get Fran mad ‘cause she will flush you down the toilet.”
Norma brought many gifts with her through life as she encountered family, friends and acquaintances. She left all with a memory. She was traditional, only taking what she needed, and with her deep voice and warming smile, the words she spoke were filled with love.
Norma is survived by: her daughters, Polly-Anne, Amanda and Jackie; grandchildren Russell Manybears, Evan Chalifoux, Tiana Ward, Trinity Ward, Destiny Ward and Russell Ward; sisters Caroline, Marilyn and Kathy; brothers Larry, John (Syd) and Robert; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by: her father, Joseph; sister Shirley; grandfather John (Sam); brother Jack; her mother, Mary; and grandson Leavon Cardinal. Losing members of her family was devastating and somehow she found the will to be strong for herself and others.
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