Norma Esther Horton, 87, of Liverpool Nova Scotia passed away peacefully on Thursday December 9th at Queens General Hospital.
Norma was born and grew up in Hamilton Ontario, the second daughter of Clarence and Grace Coombs. Always active throughout her life, she met the love of her life on the tennis courts and married John Horton on August 28th, 1953. They embarked on a remarkable life together which was grounded in their love of Christ the Savior and each other. Throughout their 64 years together they were devoted to each other, their belief in God’s grace, their family, and the fellowship of close friends. Norma enjoyed travelling much of the world with John, skiing and in particular her passion for horses and competitive riding. Together they moved to Liverpool in 2010 and fell in love with the east coast and spent many hours on the beaches and by the water. Since John’s passing in 2017 she has struggled with their separation, and we are overjoyed that they are now reunited.
She is survived by her sister Charlene Brown of Granger, Indiana. She will be forever loved and missed by sons David (Zenia) Horton and Stew (Cheryl) Horton of Liverpool. Grandchildren, Michelle (Rob) Gowland of Kitchener ON, Amy Pottruff of Paris ON, Josh (Sarah) Horton of Liverpool and Sierra Horton of Toronto (Carter). Great grandchildren, Ajay, Hayden & Kamryn.
One of “Gram’s” favorite versus which she tried her best to live by was:
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matt 11:28-30, MSG)
There will be a private family service at Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool, NS. At the family’s request, please no flowers. Donations in Norma’s name to your church of choice would be appreciated. Online condolences may be made to www.chandlersfuneral.com
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John Dexter
Stew and Family,
Very sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
John and Donna Murray
We are saddened to hear of Norma’s passing. Thinking of you at this difficult time and sending you our condolences!
Ruth Scott
I first met Norma at the Rockway Golf Course. We were both signed up for golf lessons. We became good friends. I will miss her emails and phone calls. It was a shock to hear she had passed away, but I know she is in a good place. I enjoyed her company when she moved back to Waterloo, after John passed away. But, with the Covid, it was difficult to get together.
My condolences to the family. Rest In Peace, Norma.
Debbie Laginskie
To All of you,
One memory I will share about Norma is how she always encouraged me anytime I preached. That is no small thing because it was a pretty new experience for a woman to preach at the church we both attended. She always took the time to email me an encouraging word. I am so sorry for your loss. I know you were all excited about the coming reunion and I am sure Norma was too. I pray that it will still be so meaningful for you and that you will sense her there in your hearts.
Lovingly, Debbie Laginskie
Kirk and Donna Whynot
Stew,Cheryl, Josh and family, sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Alta Mason
To all Norma’s family.
I am very saddened to learn of Norma’s passing. I did not know Norma long, but as a volunteer driver for Queens Transit, i was fortunate enough to drive Norma for groceries, mail and for small drives when I had the time.
We both enjoyed our rides together.
Once when driving around Western Head we were lucky enough to see the Bluenose II making its way to Digby.
Norma was an absolute sweetheart and I will long treasure the times we spent together.
My thoughts and prayers are with all her family during this difficult time.
David Whynot
I AM Sorry to hear of Norma ,s passing she was a wonderful friendly kind Lady and going to miss doing her Garbage RIP Norma Goodbye are not forever Goodbye are not the end They simply mean i,ll miss you Until we meet again From David Whynot
Heather Martin
I had many great visits and conversations with Norma. Her personal walk with God was strong right to the end. We had a lovely friendship and walked with each other through some hard times. She loved her family, that’s for sure…. each one. I’ll miss her but she was ready to meet her Savior and see her beloved John again. Gord and I are praying for you all.
Joy Howe
Such a beautiful friend. We played golf at Merryhill for several years taking turns every Wed driving each other. She purchased one of my golf clubs and bag before moving to Nova Scotia and I believe she donated them to her great grandson. Many luncheons and dinners were shared with our foursome and many laughs were shared. Once John died, I knew life was a challenge, but she made the best of life. She always said, “there is always another window that will open” and she tackled every challenge. She mastered round abouts, new subdivisions etc when she returned to Waterloo. A wonderful strong lady and I will miss her immensely. I was blessed to be called a friend. Peace be with you Norma. God Bless.
Debbie Brittain
Michelle and Rob, so very sorry to hear about the loss of Michelle’s dear Grandma Norma. Praying that God will comfort you and give you his peace, and fill your heart with many warm memories..
John & Debbie Herman
Stew, Cheryl, Josh and Family.
So sorry for Your Loss. Thinking of you all at this most difficult time.
John & Debbie Herman
"BIG" DAVE LEBLANC
i am so sorry to hear this….i used to drive norma to town with the transit….she was a very nice lady…my condolences to the family and friends
Deb, Chuck Sponagle-Taylor
To all of Norma’s family ,
We send our sincere condolences.
I Deb met dear Norma one day when she was walking by my studio window , we locked eyes and she then turned around and came in for a visit. We shared stories, she shared with me stories of her dear husband her family and her life.
We didn’t know her well or for long but what we do know is that she was a special gem in this world .
Our hearts ache for your loss and we are thankful for the privilege to have met her.
RIP a dear Norma ,
Deb Jones
I was grateful to have gotten to know Norma years ago at Lincoln. I remember her laughter, her bright mind, appreciated her enjoyment of horses, varied interests, her love for her family and her desire to see them have rich and abundant lives. May God comfort you and bless you as you gather together as a family.
Don and Vi Mackenzie
Stew, Cheryl and family, sorry to hear of your mothers passing. Pleae treasure the memories and the love you shared.
Don and Vi mackenzie
April Garrison
I am so sorry for your loss. She sounds like she was a beautiful person. May your memories of her bring you comfort and may God’s love carry you through these difficult days.
Sandra Ziegler
Michelle, Rob and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
Remembering your regular visits with your Gram. We know this leaves a great void in your lives. May you and your family be blessed with our Lord’s comfort and peace during this difficult time.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Ziegler Family
Jan
So sorry for your loss,
Thinking of you…Jan Winchester
Zohrab Sarkisian
Michelle & Rob,
My sincere condolences to you and your family. Your grandma Norma lived a Godly life. Let this memory cherish and strengthen you every time you remember her.
May she rest in peace and the Holy Spirit comfort you in these days.
Amen
Dianne Morris
My dear Michelle ,Rob and family, Norma was the much loved matriarch of Horton family. A very difficult loss for all especially Michelle, Gram was such a huge influence in your life. An ear to listen, a hand to hold, a heart to share, a friend who cares. Don’t hesitate to call. Praying for you, ♡
Dianne and Chris
Tiffany and David
I first met Norma on the golf course for a ‘golf-a-thon’ in support of Ray of Hope. I jokingly called her “Storming Norma” at the time and we remained good friends ever since. A special memory for David and me is our holiday with Norma and John in Hilton Head where they introduced us to Downton Abbey…we were instantly hooked.
We always appreciated getting Norma’s updates and words of encouragement from Nova Scotia. I know these years since she lost John have been hard but we know she is now in a much better place, with her Lord in a home of perfect love.
Our sincere condolences to Michelle, Rob and the rest of the extended Horton family.
Love,
Tiffany and David
Linda Moulton
Stew Cheryl and family, so very sorry to hear of your loss.
in my thoughts.
Joyce and Jim Parks.
Dear Stew, Cheryl and family. Jim and I are so sad to hear of your mom’s passing, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. May God be with you all.
Phyllis C Tutty
Stew and family, I am so saddened to hear of your mother’s passing. My thoughts and
prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Sandra Glaze Forsythe
We had some great get-togethers with John and Norma when we were all neighbours on Church Street – and each involved a glass or two of wine. Norma and I had some lovely road trips together – and each involved a cup or two of tea. Norma was a very kind woman who loved her family dearly. Fred joins me in sending you our sincere condolences. We will miss her, just as we still miss John.
Vina Moses
So sorry to read this. Condolences to her family and friends.
Pat Patterson
Sending sincere condolences to Stew, Cheryl and the rest of the family.
byron whynacht
Stew, Cheryl and family –
My sincere condolence on the passing of your mum. Sounds like she lived life to the fullest
Anne & Carole
Stew, Cheryl and family,
We are so saddened to hear of Norma’s passing! We hope that the blessing of her reunification with John provides some comfort to you. We are certain that her blessing of wonderful family time in recent weeks was an amazing way to transition to her life ever after. Huge hugs and our sincere condolences!
Monique Heaney
Dear Michelle, Rob and family we were shocked and saddened by the news of you losing your dear Gram. There are no words to fill the empty hole in your hearts.
Although I didn’t know Norma really well we did have have an opportunity to speak at church and on a number of occasions to enjoy the service together ❤. I’m sorry I didn’t get to know her more.
Praying that your family time together will be filled with many fond memories as well as peace and comfort from our Heavenly Father.
Our sympathies to each of you.
Al and Monique
John & Nancy LEEFE
Stew & Family, sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. She was a kind & thoughtful person, always good company.
Elda
Michelle, I am so sorry for your loss.
Art MacLeod
Stew, Cheryl, Josh and Sarah and family.. Truly sorry to hear of your loss. My sincerest condolences to the entire family!
Len and Joan Habermehl
Dear Michelle and all the family.
Our hearts go out to you in the loss of your Gram .She was so special, and you will miss her deeply. She was a great friend, and we will always treasure the time she spent with us in our home when she moved back to Waterloo for those few years. We always appreciated her wise contributions in our Bible Studies, and the little plaque she made for us with her favourite verse, is a special memory. We will miss her phone calls, and her creative emails and pictures.
We will miss her.
Love and Prayers
Len and Joan