Norma Margaret (Holman) Berlett of Gowanstown passed away at Listowel Memorial Hospital, on Monday, August 21, 2023, in her 94th year.
Wife of the late Jack Berlett (2018). Loved mother of Dennis & Paula Berlett of Palmerston, Ron & Cathy Berlett, Jim & Joy Stewart, John & Bonnie Berlett, and Michael & Mary Berlett, all of Listowel, and Anne & Kevin Drover of Enderby, B.C. Loved and remembered by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and by her sister Lynda Warren. Predeceased by her parents Walter & Elizabeth (Inglis) Holman, and by her sisters Marge Mackey, Helen Whitfield, and Anna Mae Illman.
Norma was born June 27, 1930, the 3rd of five girls and was raised on a farm on the 14th of Elma. Life was tough in the Depression but the family persevered. Norma attended Listowel High School, often staying in town during the winter to ensure she could attend classes. She was a bright student and star athlete. Her wish was to attend Normal School (Teacher’s College), but a new interest had entered her life – the dashing Jack Berlett of Wallace Township. They embarked on a courtship that included going to dances all over Southern Ontario and Toronto. A choice had to be made – either marry Jack or continue school. She followed her heart, chose the love of her life, married Jack and moved to the 3rd of Wallace. What followed was a life of hard work both in the house and in the barn, raising six children and growing the family farm. But there was still time to dance on Saturday night, party with the members of the Happy Hunt Club, curl and snowmobile. Retiring to the farm on the Fourth of Wallace, Jack and Norma spent those years gardening, traveling by trailer to both coasts and still maintaining their life-long love affair.
Mom will be remembered for her wit, intelligence and grasp of current events. Her ability to remember the history of people, events and local geography never diminished. She was an oral link to a past that is seldom remembered. She was an inspiration to her children and their children for her dedication to family duty, knowledge and friendship.
Visitation was held at the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel, on Thursday, August 24 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. The funeral service was held at Trinity United Church, Listowel, on Friday, August 25, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. The service was livestreamed and the link is available on the funeral home website.
Interment was at Fairview Cemetery, Listowel.
Memorial donations to Listowel Memorial Arena Park 59 or the Listowel Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.
