Obituary of Nora Margaretta Devine

Surrounded by loved ones, Nora passed away peacefully on October 18, 2012 at Saint John Regional Hospital, wife of the late Stanley James Devine SR. Nora was born to parents Carl and Genevieve Stevens on April 17th, 1927 and the world received a gift. She was one of seven sisters and two brothers. She grew up in the depression years cultivating many of her qualities including strength of character, generosity to others and her strong faith and a ready willingness to help people. Retirement afforded Nora more time to pursue her many interests including music, guitar, painting and travel. Many of her travels with her family included Australia, Canary Islands, England, Bulgaria, Ireland, Dominican Republic, Trinidad & Tobago to mention a few. Her mission in life was to provide everyone with a rosary, which she made with her own hands. Nora was taught to make rosaries by one of her favourite nuns, Sister Brendan, who was in her 80’s at the time. Nora was one of the founders of the Rosary Guild, in the first five years guild members made over 16,000 rosaries and distributed them to India, Africa, South America and many other countries that requested them. This was a very special gift to Nora since her church was very important in her life. She created the Sunday School Catechism program at St. Anne’s and taught as well. She played guitar and sang at the folk mass and belonged to the parochial choir for many years. She will especially be missed by her good friends Carmel McHaig, Annie Chan, Simone LeBlanc, Joy Sherwood and her god-daughter Olivia Maher. To Nora’s neighbours – Harold, Evelyn and Nora’s "adopted" grandson Dylan we express our sincere gratitude for the many happy hours and helpful deeds. In September 2012 Nora received Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of her contribution to Canada as issued by the Governor General of Canada. The Canadian Merchant Navy Association, recognizing her many years of contribution to the membership and the affiliate associations, nominated her. Prior to this award Nora was part of a smaller group across Canada who received the Beaver Award from the Canadian Merchant Navy Veterans Association recognizing her considerable efforts supporting the Veteran Members of New Brunswick and serving the National Association as a member of the Board of Directors. This award was unique to Nora as it was usually presented to active ship captains or admirals for distinctive service. Nora also served as New Brunswick Service Officer and the National Director for the Canadian Merchant Navy Veterans Association. She was referred to as a "living Angel" by many in her selfless sacrifice in helping her many friends and strangers alike. Nora has spent nearly two years residing at Shannex, Parkland in the Valley where she enjoyed many friends and activities. Special thanks to the staff and volunteers of Concorde Hall, who became part of Nora’s family, and treated her with such kindness and respect. Nora was pre-deceased by her granddaughter Nia Katsoulias and grandson Richard Smith, sisters Doris Fortune, Olive Stevens, Evelyn Brewster, Dianne Cormier, brothers John and Ronald Stevens. She leaves behind five children, Maureen Smith (David), Patricia Catsoulias (Don), Stan (Pamela), Terry (Monika), Susan Campbell (Larry), seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She is survived by two loving sisters, Carol (Honey) Hamm and Ella LaMotte. Special thanks to Dr. Jurgens for her many years of exceptional care. Also, Dr. Hemmings and the staff at Palliative Care, Saint John Regional Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Food Bank, a cause she always supported, or a community cause of the donor’s choice. Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (506-634-7424) with visiting hours on Saturday from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm and Sunday from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 22, 2012 from St. Ann’s Church, Simpson Drive, Saint John, NB at 2:00 pm. Interment will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery on Tuesday October 23, 2012 at 11:00 am. Online condolences may be placed on our website www.brenansfh.com