Norma SANTAROSSA

ORTOLAN, Norma (Santarossa) 2009-02-26 Mrs. Norma Ortolan (Santarossa), age 77 years, a resident of Thunder Bay, passed away in Grandview Lodge, on Monday, February 23, 2009, with her family by her side. Norma was born April 11, 1931 in Pasiano di Pordenone, Italy, the fourth of five sisters. She married Bruno in 1962 and came to Canada later the same year. As a young woman, Norma trained as a dressmaker; a craft she pursued and executed with perfection. From simple alterations to complex designs, Norma‘s gifted skills graced so many people‘s special occasions. Two projects that will be forever remembered and treasured are a hand cut, hand beaded wedding dress and head piece for her daughter‘s wedding and a tiny white tuxedo complete with tails and a ruffled shirt used for the Baptism of both her grandsons. Norma‘s home, garden and family were also important to her. She relished the arrival of her grandsons whom she and Bruno cared for with enjoyment. Norma was also an active member of the St. Dominic‘s Church, C.W.L. and of the Ladies Auxillary of the Principe di Piemonte Society. Shortly after her 70th Birthday, Norma began a lengthy battle with Parkinson‘s, an illness that slowly took away our wife, mother, nonna, sister and friend. We will always remember your sparkling eyes, big beautiful smile and the love you had for all of us that endured beyond your illness. Norma is survived by husband, Bruno of 46 years; daughter Ivana (Slongo) and son-in-law, Ernie and cherished grandsons, Stephen and Brenden. Norma is also survived by four sisters Santa Mucignat, Leni Toffolon, Noemi (Guiseppe) Pescarollo, Maria (Guiseppe) Russi, sister-in-law Beppina (Theodore) Savino, all of Pasiano di Pordenone; sisters-in-law Nella Ortolan and Vittoria (Gino) Leopardi of Adelaide, Australia. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins survive in Windsor, Ontario, Italy and Australia. Norma was predeceased by her mother Amabille (Piccinin) in 1934 and father Andrea Santarossa in 1947, brothers-in-law Giovanni Mucignat, Arteo Toffolon and Pietro Ortolan and niece Antonella Pescarollo. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 27, 2009 when family and friends will gather for the Funeral Mass in St. Dominic’s Church at 11:00 a.m. celebrated by Rev. Daniel Lapolla c.s. Entombment will follow at Our Lady of Charity Mausoleum. Vigil prayers will be offered on Thursday, evening at 7:00 p.m. in the Blake Funeral Chapel. A memorial service will also take place in La Chiesa di San Paolo in Pasiano di Pordenone on Friday, February 27, 2009 where family and friends will gather to simultaneously celebrate Norma‘s life. This mass will be celebrated by her godson Rev Riccardo Ortolan c.s. If friends desire, memorials to Wesway, St Joseph‘s Care Group, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre or the charity of your choice would be appreciated. A tree will be planted in memory of Norma Ortolan in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 27, 2010. On-line Condolences may be sent to www.blakefuneralchapel.com