It is with great sadness that the family of Melissa Lynne Norman, 42, of 908 Victoria Ave. N., Fort Frances, Ont., announces her passing on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011 at home with her family by her side.
She was born June 22, 1968 in Fort Frances.
At the age of 20, Melissa was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and had a very long journey with the disease. She was able to walk for eight years, later requiring a wheelchair for eight years, until becoming bedridden for the past four years.
Despite her difficulties, she had a great sense of humour and made everyone laugh. She loved and cared deeply for all of her in-home care nurses (N.I.L.S.) and ComCare, and was very strong-willed until the end.
In earlier years, she met Derm and fell in love with him immediately, and were married on Dec. 7, 1990.
Melissa was very outgoing and loved shopping, and tanning outside. She also loved her family from the bottom of her heart and constantly was proud and supportive of her daughter, Tanikka.
At home, Melissa cared very deeply for her animals. She also loved visiting Newfoundland with Derm and Tanikka, and spending endless hours at their cabin on Sawbill Lake with them.
Melissa is survived by her parents, Fred and Donna Dustak; husband, Dermot (Derm) Norman; and daughter, Tanikka Norman (Brady Caul), all of Fort Frances, Ont.
She also is survived by two brothers, Shane Dustak (Cathy Westover) and Allan Dustak; and two nephews, Chad Dustak and Chace Dustak, all of Fort Frances, Ont.
Cremation has taken place at Rainy River Cremation Services in International Falls, Mn.
A memorial service to celebrate Melissa’s life will be held Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011 at 2 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, with Fr. Wayne McIntosh officiating.
Interment will take place in Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances at a later date.
The honourary pallbearers will be Melissa’s family and friends.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Kenora/Rainy River District, P.O. Box 837, Kenora, Ont., P9N 4B5, Rainycrest Long-Term Care, 550 Osborne St., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3T2, or the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 703B Victoria Ave. E., Thunder Bay, Ont., P7C 5X9 or c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
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