It is with great sadness for family to announce the passing of Norma Christine Hogstead at Viking, Alberta on Friday, March 24, 2023 at the age of 93 years.

Norma was born to Clara and Gilbert Swanson of Sedgewick Alberta, September 30th , 1929. She grew up as the middle of her sisters Gladys and Olga and three brothers Harold, Ralph and Clarence, on a farm just North of Sedgewick Alberta. She and her family attended the rural Bethania Lutheran Church and the nearby Sunlight School where after completing grade 9, she began doing domestic work on
farms, and for young families, or as a waitress in Sedgewick. Being so young she found that she could leave home for a while, but at times would become so homesick that she would have to leave her job to return home for a while. Letters were something that helped overcome loneliness and she loved to send and receive them throughout her life. As she became a little older, she ventured further from home to live and work in Camrose as well as taking the train or bus out to pick fruit and work in a canning factory in BC. Eventually she moved back to the area and took a housekeeping job in the Viking hospital, where she said one of the perks was that she could bath in a tub every night. Although the hospital Matron (or business operations manager in today's language) had a strict curfew, she was able enjoy social activities that eventually lead to meeting her future husband.

In 1954 Norma married Alfred Hogstead. at Bethania Church and together they made their home on a farm, first North of Kinsella, then to one by lake Thomas, and finally south of Viking. They raised five children, Sylvia (Donny), Lorne (Lisa), Clifford (Alana), Sandra (Jim), and Douglas (Cindy). Through their children's marriages the family grew with 16 grandchildren, and 11 great Grand Children.

It was seldom that meals and coffee time did not include a hired hand, one or two neighbors, or in the summer extra kids from the city on school vacations. Although she often did not know who would stop by or when, she always had something to offer them. She was resourceful and could make a meal out of nearly anything, frequently turning to the Garden and or Henhouse (for a fresh chicken) too be sure to have enough for everyone. Sundays and holidays always meant special meals while Tuesdays after school was also a favorite as fresh bread, buns and sometimes cinnamon buns were usually waiting. Her family and friends knew that they could always call her up and ask her questions whether about making lutefisk or apple jelly, or just to ask for some life advice.

Although she would be reluctant to admit it Norma was an exceptional organizer, managing family events with ease and always being willing to help with Church functions, Iron Creek Community activities, and later the library, and Tourism Service after moving to town. Her determination to make the best of retirement included many bus trips, camping trips, road trips and holidays with her husband, friends, children and grandchildren.

As grandkids arrived, Norma enjoyed having them over to spend time with her, running around the house or farm, doing chores, sometimes joining them in whatever activity they liked. She also enjoyed allowing them the freedom to join her in whatever activity she was doing, or spend time providing a lap to crawl onto, or a hug. All the grandkids have fond memories of Norma. She balanced spoiling them and keeping them in line. Occasionally Norma liked to shock them by sassing them back or even with a well-timed swear word.

Norma was an extremely resilient and determined person. If you ever implied that she might not be able to do something, she would be pretty quick to prove you wrong. I'm sure there are many times that each of you can think of, but here is one example: Years ago when some of the grandkids and great grandkids were sledding down a great big hill, and someone told her that she shouldn't go down. Not one to be told what not to do, Norma grabbed Doug's bright pink calf-sled then to the kid's amazement and before anyone could protest, she was rocketing down the hill. She often demonstrated that sort of spunk, and rarely let age dictate her actions.

While she did not get her driver's license till in her thirty's she came to enjoy having it and was proud that she retained it each time it was renewed. She became the unofficial driver to many of the "older ladies" around town even though some of them were years younger. They attended church, social functions and appointments around town, sometimes venturing out to Camrose or Vegreville for shopping. On her own, at times she would go for a 'drive' in the country just to maintain that feeling of independence. Her 1992, Burgundy Chrysler Dynasty (with the deer whistles on top) became a bit of a fixture around town. While usually careful and protective of her car, Norma could put the pedal to the metal at times! Some of her grandchildren recall her leading them back to town, from a family reunion, with her going so fast, it was all they could do to follow in her dust trail, at 120 km/hr.

Norma never liked being made a fuss over, but birthdays were a special celebration and at her 80th at Sylvia and Donnie's was memorable. Her adventurous nature showed when offered a ride to the party she made a grand entrance on the back of a Harley Davison. During that celebration she especially enjoyed visiting with her sister Gladys. They might have been in their 80's but when they were together, they could giggle like schoolgirls. She retained that spirt through last summer and when offered a ride out to the ceremony at Dayne and Cayla's wedding, on the golf course, she replied "Ok if I can drive!' The good natured driver helped her get behind the wheel then had to hang on for dear life, as she was gone!

Norma was feisty, strong willed, practical and humble. She cared her family, friends and others in the community very much. She didn't always know how to tell her children, grandchildren or great grandchildren how she felt, especially to their face, but would show it in her actions. Anyone who knew her knew that she was proud of them.

Norma was stoic in experiencing hardship loss and pain during her long life. She overcame it with dignity, strength and grace finding joy in her work, family and faith. She leaves behind that legacy of faith, wisdom and generosity.

Norma was pre-deceased her husband Alfred in 2003, son Douglas in 2021, Granddaughter Cindy in 2012, and Great Grandson Brandon in 2022.

She leaves us memories to treasure, and a strong example of a life well lived. Thank you, mom! Thank you, Granny!

A Private Family Burial will be at the Golden Valley Lutheran Cemetery.

A Funeral Service will be at the Golden Valley Lutheran Church, Viking, Alberta on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Ron Chetney officiating.

Donations in memory of Norma may be made to the Golden Valley Lutheran Church, Viking, Alberta or to the Hastings Lake Bible Camp.