Obituary of Norma Joyce Robbins

Lovingly Remembered

Norma was born to Robert and Joyce Nelson on August 6, 1947. She was an only child and was raised on a chicken farm near Harrington on the outskirts of Calgary. She completed Grades 1-8 at the Harrington School, then grade 9 at Brant School finishing grades 10-12 at County Central High – Vulcan. She left home at the age of 18 starting work at the Cancer Clinic in Calgary before transferring to the Justice Department where she worked as a Clerk for many years.

Norma surrendered her life to her Heavenly Father at a young age. Her faith in God was her life. She committed to learning as much as she could on how to be Christlike – not being satisfied just living by her own goodness and wisdom. She sought to know the hand of God guiding her daily life while she lived here on this earth. 

On December 21, 1978 she married Lloyd Robbins from Calgary, Alberta and they enjoyed over 40 years of marriage before Lloyd passed away in September 2019. Lloyd and Norma lived at various addresses in Surrey BC, enjoying many privileges including fellowship meetings in their home and hosted many friends and workers from around the world. 

Norma, ever the gracious host, made many a meal for those who entered their home and was well known for her “Expo Cookies” that she made as they hosted a significant number of friends and family during Expo ‘86. Grandma Norma’s love of cooking and Grandpa Lloyd’s time in India inspired her to learn to cook Indian food and she became quite the expert in creating many an India-influenced dish. 

In 2003, Lloyd and Norma moved to the Fleetwood Gates complex in Surrey, a community they enjoyed very much. Norma and Marilyn, her neighbor next door, made fast friends and they were known to check in on one another every day – especially after the passing of their husbands. 

In the fall of 2024, Norma moved to Bear Creek Villa, an independent living community, where she enjoyed getting to know new friends. She was delighted to enjoy meals in the dining room made by the onsite chef and participate in activities at her new place of residence. Norma really appreciated the love and care she received by the staff. She enjoyed a year and a half at Bear Creek, continuing to host a Wednesday morning bible study with a close group of friends and showing off her new place with company who came to stay. It was at Bear Creek Villa where Norma passed – found by the loving staff who cared for her – sitting in her easy chair when she failed to show up for lunch on Tuesday, April 28th. She was 78 years old. 

Norma was predeceased by her husband Lloyd in 2019, and her dad and mom. She is lovingly remembered by Orlene (Michael) Hahn and their family Lorena (Cole) Ross and children Harlen and Aylin, Nicole, Parker, and Olympia Hahn and many other friends she took under her wing and provided motherly and Godly support to. She is remembered by her sister-in-law, Winnie Robbins and family, Sharon, Rod, Carol and Lori, and their families, all from California, as well as cousins in Canada and the United States who she was faithful to keep in touch with along with many dear friends and neighbors.