Nora Anne Fraser

June 03, 1921 Saskatoon, Sask. - October 25, 2026 Saskatoon, Sask.

Parents: John Dow, born in Whitby, Ontario and Marjorie Dow (Rake) born in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, England

Siblings: Herb, Dave, Liz (Delahey)

Husband: Murray F. Fraser

Children: Jill, Kelly, Tom

“Goodness and Mercy shall follow me all the days of my Life”

Our Mum left this earth “free as the breeze.” She said about her life that she didn’t know how she could have been luckier except for losing Murray at such a young age and she even found something to be glad about in that; Dad didn’t have to grow old.

Her accomplishments were colossal: She was the best Mum imaginable and an amazing wife, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, great aunt, great great aunt, and friend. She nurtured at every opportunity—bought dying plants from the store and stuffed animals from Goodwill that could use some love. She was not discouraged by challenges.

Mum grew up in Lilac, Saskatchewan. She was her dad’s shadow and shared his passion for the land and horses, dogs, wildlife, poetry, and storytelling. Her mother made certain the house was full of music, culture, and literature. In 1938, the family (and Mum’s two horses) relocated to Saskatoon. Mum was too intimidated to attend high school so finished her education by correspondence. Then she worked at the Vet college, exercised horses for numerous people including P.T. Barnum when the circus came to town, worked at the International Harvester Company (where she met Dad), and after years of being a stay-at-home Mum, worked at Laura Secord with her close friend Agnes.

Mum was a storyteller like her father before her. She married our Dad in 1949. November 5 was chosen because they had their first date on that auspicious day in 1947. Mum recalled that they went to a Turkey Shoot in a curling rink. There were multiple lanes marked by huge numbered banners hanging from the ceiling. Dad lined Mum up all ready to shoot. When she did, she hit a banner and the whole thing came down with a crash and a lot of chaos. She didn’t win a turkey but she did get a second date. “Poor Murr was very embarrassed, but,” said Mum, “he married me knowing he was pretty safe not to be shot!!”

Mum and Dad were very involved with the Caswell Home and School Association, square dancing, badminton, and hosting card and dance parties on weekends. Mum was an Explorer leader and a Sunday School teacher. She loved to cross-country ski, bike, and walk her dog Taichi.

We, her children, had to share her. She became an adopted Mum and Grandma to so many. Her open door policy meant that she had friends and visitors of all ages right up to her last day. She felt that everyone deserved her attention and concern. Visitors are who kept her young. She always had tea and cookies and was up for a game. And she was “always happy as long as someone won.”

She is survived by her beloved children and their families: Jill and husband Julian Murray, and grandchildren Tessa, Ian, and wife Jill (Jillian); Kelly and husband Wayne Goerzen, and grandchildren Kim and husband Pete Neufeld, and grandson Matt, and great grandchildren Nora and Zoë Neufeld; Tom and wife Leah Fraser, and grandson Jesse and partner Enrico. She was adored by her ‘Grands’. Her capacity for love was boundless, and she was with them physically or in spirit for every special event, trial or triumph.

Also surviving are her brother-in-law Art Delahey and nieces and nephews on both the Fraser and Dow sides. You were all VERY special to her.

Mum attracted many wonderful friends of all ages and generations who enriched the lives of all of us. Several visited her faithfully each week—if not more—for which we are eternally grateful. Children loved her and she never lost her ability to play or her great sense of humor.

Secrets to longevity: –never act your age –use it or lose it –look for the joy in every situation

At Mum's request there will be no funeral. She had a soft spot for all creatures great and small so any donation you wish to make to the SPCA would put a smile on her face and a 'Bless You' on her lips. You could also consider the MVA (Meewasin Valley Authority) or Prairie Hospice.

In the words of Dr. Seuss from the lady who held 'green eggs and ham' brunches on St. Patrick's Day:

 Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.

The marvelous light of joy that was Mum's life brightened the lives of everyone it touched. She will stay in our hearts forever.