Obituary of Nora Prouse

Nora, “Mom”, “Nana” died very peacefully being held lovingly in hand, heart, and prayer, on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at the Sault Area Hospital. Nora was predeceased by her loving husband, Franklin, five years ago. They had known each other since Nora was six and Frank was nine, living four doors apart in Toronto, and had been married for sixty-five years. She now joins Dad and all her loved ones who have gone on before, in God’s Loving Presence, including her parents, Gordon and Frances Cooper of Toronto and her two sisters, Frances Pritchard, from Boca Raton, Florida and Jean Hockin from Halifax.   

In her early years, Nora attended Havergal College in Toronto, from Grade Three to Thirteen, and was a figure skater with the Granite Club in Toronto. She enjoyed working in the fine china department at the Birk’s Store in downtown Toronto.

After marrying Frank, the love of her life, her family was her priority. She is, now, so dearly, missed by her four children, Gordon (Anne), Leslie Bennett (Terry), Elizabeth Saunders (David), and Robert (Bev); Grandchildren, Chris Prouse (Julia), and Heather Prouse; Kate Sweeney (Alan) and Will Bennett (Ruby); Nora-Beth Mercier (Joey); Tori Prouse-Coccimiglio (Aron), Hilary Prouse (Sam), and Cameron Prouse. Great-Grandchildren, Cedar Prouse, Una and Oisìn Sweeney, Claire and Charlie Bennett, Ayden, Aislyn, and Ellie Mercier, and Annika Coccimiglio, and the extended family, the Hockins, Pritchards, and Prouse cousins.

Nora was full of energy and grace. She, totally, lived her love in everything she did and was absolutely devoted to her faith, family, friends, and community. Her volunteer work included the May Court Club, Rotary Anns and a long time Sunday School Teacher at Central United Church, amidst her busy family life.  She was a great support “behind the scenes” in the family car business and tour boat business. She loved people and it showed in her sparkling smile and gracious attitude.  She was, so often, described as “such a sweet person”.

Nora, Frank and family had many close friends in the community and beyond.  They could, often be found on their boat, or near the water, whether it be in the Soo area, in Florida, or on cruise ships. Georgian Bay and Muskoka were cherished places, in younger years, because of family cottages. 

Since Frank’s death, Nora struggled courageously with vascular dementia. We are so, truly, thankful for all the wonderful loving care that was bestowed upon Mom by the staff of Collegiate Heights, Dr. Bruni and Sharon, long-standing caregivers, Liz L., Bev. C, Cathy and Joyce, and Premier Homecare Services’ long time support workers, Sheila, Sadie & Audrey.  We extend our deep gratitude, too, to the staff of the Sault Area Hospital and the Davey Home for imparting their very compassionate care on Nora during her palliative journey.

Friends and family are invited to visit at the Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Road, 705-945-7758) on Thursday, November 30, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Friday, December 1, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. A private graveside service will take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Nora’s family would appreciate, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Sault Area Hospital Foundation, the Alzheimer Society of Sault Ste. Marie or the Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH).

Mom always carried this little saying in her purse, by an unknown author, “Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday.  Unseen, unheard, but always near.  Still loved, still missed, and very dear.”