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With profound sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Norma MacKinnon on August 12, 2026, at the age of 93. Norma leaves behind a legacy of courage, curiosity, learning, music, and love that touched generations of family, friends, students, and community members.
Born and raised in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Norma was immensely proud of her Irish roots. As a young teacher who immigrated to Montreal, she embarked on a new adventure that included marrying a handsome young farmer from Barnston, setting the course for a remarkable life.
A respected teacher of music and languages, Norma was an accomplished educator and lifelong learner whose passion for knowledge never waned. Her boundless curiosity, sharp intellect, and enthusiasm inspired everyone around her.
Norma embraced life with energy, courage, and determination. Fearless and adventurous, she welcomed new experiences, destinations, and challenges. A dedicated traveler, she explored the world with an open mind and a deep appreciation for different cultures and languages.
Music was one of her greatest loves. An accomplished musician and passionate advocate for the arts, she shared her talents generously through teaching, performing, and mentoring. Her love of music enriched the lives of countless students, friends, and family members.
Spirited, resilient, and full of spunk, Norma was a trailblazer in many respects, charting her own path with confi dence and determination.
Deeply engaged in her community, Norma believed in contributing, learning, and growing throughout every stage of life. She devoted her time and talents to many organizations, including the Sherbrooke Symphony Orchestra, local school committees, and the choirs of Beulah United Church and Lennoxville United Church.
Norma was predeceased by her beloved husband Douglas, and her sisters Myrtle (Frank Aplin) and Olive (Ray St-Sauveur). She is lovingly remembered by her children Angus (Jennifer Mungham), Peter (Mary Ellen MacKay), Helen (Warren Loomis), and Kathleen (Wayne Walsh); her 13 grandchildren; her 7 great grandchildren; and many extended family members, friends, former students, and colleagues.
She leaves behind a family who adored her and a community enriched by her teaching, her music, and her example. We celebrate 93 years of life fully and joyfully lived. Her adventurous spirit, generous heart, and lifelong love of learning will continue to inspire all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Fondation du CHUS.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 20, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Cass Funeral Home, 3006 College St., Lennoxville. The family will also receive condolences on Friday, August 21 at 1 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. at Lennoxville United Church. A private family interment will be held.
Paisiblement, à l’Hôtel-Dieu de Sherbrooke, le 12 août 2026, est décédée Mme Norma MacKinnon, à l’âge de 93 ans. Elle était l’épouse de feu Douglas MacKinnon et résidait à Lennoxville, originaire de Barnston ouest.
Née et élevée à Belfast, en Irlande du Nord, Norma était très fière de ses racines irlandaises. Enseignante en musique et en anglais langue seconde à la Commission scolaire de Coaticook, elle a marqué la vie de nombreux élèves au cours de sa carrière.
La famille accueillera parents et amis au Salon funéraire Cass, à Lennoxville, le jeudi 20 août 2026, de 19 h à 21 h, ainsi que le vendredi 21 août 2026, de 13 h à 14 h à l’église unie de Lennoxville, 6 rue Church. Les funérailles suivront à compter de 14 h. L’inhumation aura lieu dans l’intimité de la famille.
Elle laisse dans le deuil ses enfants : Angus (Jennifer Mungham), Peter (Mary Ellen MacKay), Helen (Warren Loomis) et Kathleen (Wayne Walsh); ses 13 petits-enfants et ses 7 arrière-petits-enfants, ainsi que de plusieurs membres de sa famille élargie. Elle était également prédécédée par ses deux sœurs, Myrtle (Frank Aplin) et Olive (Ray St. Sauveur).
En guise de témoignages de sympathie, des dons à la Fondation du CHUS seraient appréciés.