July 7, 1947 – Oct. 23, 2024
Annabelle Wilma Norquay was born on July 7, 1947, to Ernest and Margaret Norquay. She was the fifth eldest of 14 siblings. She was born in Erickson, Man.
Annabelle was around 14 years old when she first came to East Prairie Metis Settlement. She came to live with her sister, Doreen. It was during this time that she met Peter L’Hirondelle. Shortly after, they married and had a baby girl, Natalie. Natalie was an only child for many years. Later, Peter and Annabelle were blessed with two more daughters, Karen and Lois.
Annabelle worked various jobs throughout her life. She waitressed, cooked, worked at the sawmill, the hot lunch program in East Prairie, just to name a few. The only time she didn’t work was when she was providing care for her children.
Peter and Annabelle were both very loving and caring. Many foster children as well as adults took up residence with them.
Annabelle was a very nurturing person and always did her best to take care of everyone. She was a very kind and loving soul with an amazing sense of humour. Everyone loved having her around because you always knew that you were going to share some laughs. You just never knew what she was going to do or say. Wherever she went, you’d know she was there because there was always laughter. She was one of the kindest, funniest and most loving person you could ever hope to meet. Our family was truly blessed to have her.
Annabelle enjoyed many things. She loved to travel with family or just spend time with family, play bingo, watch baseball (when Peter was coaching) and just be around other people. She also loved to go hunting with Peter.
Annabelle was not materialistic in any way. Her greatest treasures were always her family. She loved her husband, kids, grandkids, great-grand kids, and great-great-grandkids with all her heart, and it clearly showed.
All the kids in the family appreciated her gentle hands. If any of us brought home little friends in our hair, Annabelle would get rid of them ASAP. She was so gentle doing it that all the kids went to her and some would fall asleep on her lap. It was better going to Auntie Annabelle than being tortured by your own parents.
Another funny story to share. When Peter first got sick and ended up in the hospital in Grande Prairie, Natalie got her mom a room there. It had a nice hot tub which Annabelle and Dani took advantage of. She didn’t really soak in it, but she did sit in there and wash her socks. There was never a dull moment when Grandma Annabelle was around.
Anabelle and Peter played a big role in their grandkid’s lives. They loved having their grandkids around and even raised one, Chelsea. They loved having their grandkids around and their grandkids in returned loved being with them.
She added a lot to the lives she touched and will greatly be missed by those who loved her. Annabelle enriched our lives with her love and humour. Sadly, life changed a lot for her when she lost her husband and not long after, her daughter, Lois. But on a brighter side, she got to reconnect with her sibling whom she loved dearly.
Annabelle was predeceased by her parents Margaret and Ernest Norquay, her husband Peter, her daughter Lois, and many siblings.
She leaves behind to mourn, her daughter Natalie and husband Gordon, her daughter Karen, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Her sisters Doreen, Elsie, Karen and Lolo, and also many nieces, nephews and in-laws.
Our family would like to thank Northwest Funeral Chapel and Abbotsford Hospital for taking care of Momma. We would also like to thank Rolling River First Nation, East Prairie Metis Settlement, and everyone who helped at our Momma’s wake and service, the cooks for the delicious meals, Gord (Nat’s husband) for assisting with everything.
To all our family and friends, thank you for your support during and after during this difficult time.