Obituary of Norma Lorraine Phillips

The family of Norma Lorraine Phillips, of Fredericton, New Brunswick, sadly announces she passed away on her 89th birthday, March 8, 2024, after a courageous battle with Acute Leukemia, with family by her side.  She had vibrant blue eyes and a smile that would light up a room, and heaven became a little brighter when she entered.

Norma was born in 1935 to Norman and Laura (Greer) Phillips.  She was the 12th of 14 dearly loved children.  She attended the little school in Rusagonis, and later went up to grade 9 in Fredericton Junction school.

She married Frederick on July 1st 1952 on the front lawn of the family’s home in Rusagonis.

She started working at Gilmore Noble’s General store at age 16, then worked for many years in jewelry stores, her favorite being Richard’s Jewelry. She later became a babysitter & housekeeper for the Breau family, working for them from when the boys were born, up to when the youngest went to middle school.

She had the gift of creativity, and could do anything she set her mind to with perfection.  From jewelry repair, small appliance repair, upholstery, sewing, landscape painting, doll making, tole painting, rock painting, specialty cake baking and decorating.

Norma & Fred were avid campers most of their life, and were Members of Mic Mac Trailer Club for over 40 years, making lifelong friends.

She loved to cook for, and entertain everyone, and had a collection of cookware, dishes,  appliances and gadgets to do it with.  Some of the family fondly called her Mrs. Gadget.

Norma is survived by Frederick, her loving husband of 71 years; children, Lorraine (Maynard), Judy (Greg), Rosemary (Miles), Robin (Peggy), Norman (Christine); grandchildren, Phil (Michelle), Jillian (Jeff), Abbey (Dustin), Tyler (Ashley), Katelyn (JB), Dylan and Megan (Nick); great grandchildren, Alex, Josh, Owen, Brielle, Teagan and Noah; siblings, Darrell Phillips (Mary) & Carolyn Goss (Jim), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, special daughter Brenda, and special grandsons Nicholas & Justin.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her siblings, Gerald, Archie, Esther, Marion, Margaret, Joyce, Virginia, Frederick, Marilla, Merle, Eileen, and her grandson Daniel. 

Thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Hospice House who participated in her care with great respect and compassion shown to her and our whole family.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, from 12-2pm, at Faith Baptist Church in New Maryland, New Brunswick, with a funeral service immediately afterwards. Following the service, a reception will be held in the church hall. A private family interment will take place in the spring at Rusagonis Cemetery. 

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to Hospice House Fredericton, the Canadian Cancer Society, or a charity of the donor’s choice.