McKenzie, Norma Shirley, 88, of Paradise, NS, has gone home to be with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. She passed away peacefully at Valley Regional Hospital on Saturday, October 7, 2023. Born on August 20, 1935, in Hazel Hill, Guysborough County, NS, to the late Harvey and Delphine (McKenzie) MacKenzie.

Mom is survived by her  daughters, Nora Lohnes, Halifax, NS; Juanita (Rodney) Annis, Nictaux, NS; Bernadette/Bubbles Lohnes, Callais, ME; daughter-in-law, Brenda Lohnes; sons, Theodore/Teddy (Lisa) Lohnes, Aldergrove, BC; Richard/Rickey Lohnes, Moosejaw, SK; Harvey (Shirley) Lohnes, Winnipeg, MB; Gordon/Gordie Lohnes, New Minas, NS; Anthony/Tony Lohnes, Milton, NS; 30 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren; sisters, Lenora Ehler, Windsor, NS; Gloria Avery, Larry's River, NS; Beverly Drewery, Eastern Passage, NS; brothers, Stanton, Bowmanville, ON; Gordon, Stewiacke, NS; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mom grew up in Hazel Hill where she enjoyed digging clams, picking berries, skating on Hazel Hill Lake, waiting at the end of the lane for her dad to come home from work and ride to their home with him, hitching a ride on the oil truck to her grandparents' home in Tracadie, NS, bugging her siblings, eating lots of lobster, whatever seafood was available, and much more. Bus tours with friends were highlights of her years when she had no children left at home. Dozens of mittens, socks, and slippers, and some afghans were knitted by her quick hands.  She was a darts player and won several trophies, including her skunk award. Dancing at the Army, Navy, Airforce club in Halifax with friends was another enjoyment in the 1970's/80's. Mom loved the ocean and lighthouses.  In 2015, she met her friend Gerald Sarty, and they began spending a lot of time together at the Adult Day Centre where they did lots of activities and jigsaw puzzles. She had nothing but praise for the staff at Grace Haven Residential Care Facility in Paradise, where she spent the last almost 2 yrs. She loved drives around the countryside and to the ocean. She cherished her visits and phone calls with family and friends. She and her friend Cassie Tolbart enjoyed the occasional Sunday dinners and drives.  Aunt Bev wasn't just her sister but was also her best friend and always stayed in constant contact.

Norma was predeceased by her sons, Carmen and Paul Lohnes; grandson, Christopher McInnis (Lohnes); sister, Joyce Geoathals; brothers-in-law, Wilfred Avery, Joseph Matthews, Donald Ehler, James/Jim Drewery; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 12, 2023 from 6-8 p.m. at Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street toll free: 1-855-825-3448 where a celebration of Norma's Life followed by a reception will take place on Friday, October 13, 2023, at 11 a.m. Rev. Dr. Danny Smith officiating. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. in Oakridge Memorial Gardens, Lower Sackville, NS.

The family would like to warmly thank the staff of Grace Haven Residential Care Facility for their special care shown to Norma and to those friends and family who spent time with her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Grace Haven Residential Care Facility. The online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com