Norma Shirley Eley

Norma Shirley Eley, age 91, passed away on January 30, 2026. Norma was born on July 23, 1934, in Watrous, Saskatchewan. She was the eldest child of Henry and Isabelle Holm. She grew up on the family farm near Watrous with her siblings Jim, Carol, Eva, Arnold, and Linda. This is where her lifelong love of family, community, and a strong work ethic first took shape. Norma graduated from Watrous High School and then moved to Saskatoon to work at the telephone office.

In 1953, Norma married the love of her life, Donald Eley, and moved to Esk where Don was a grain buyer. They shared 65 years of marriage. They eventually settled on the Eley farm near Colonsay, where they farmed side by side for many years and raised their three daughters. Norma devoted endless energy to the farm—hauling grain during harvest and helping wherever she was needed—all while preparing the wonderful meals that brought family, neighbours, and unexpected guests to the table. Her kindness was boundless; there was always room for one more plate.

Norma had a remarkable gift with children and cherished spending time with them. Children were naturally drawn to her bubbly spirit, patience, and warm, steady presence. Over the years she touched the lives of countless little ones—nieces and nephews, Baby Clinic children, 4‑H members she taught, and later her grandchildren and great‑grandchildren. She also opened her home to young relatives over the years, nurturing them as her own. Every child who crossed her path felt seen, safe, and loved.

Norma lovingly raised her three daughters—Barb, Maureen, and Donna—and was deeply involved in every part of their lives with unwavering support. She taught them the importance of family, pitching in, and taking pride in whatever work needed doing.

She was an active member of the Colonsay community, volunteering on numerous boards and committees (Wheatland Library, Curling Club, Cub Scouts, Baby Clinic, Book Committee, Housing Committee, SFU, 4‑H, and the Colonsay Choir). She enjoyed curling, sewing, knitting, tending her beautiful flower beds, and growing a vegetable garden that fed family and friends for decades.

Music was one of Norma’s great joys. She sang in the Colonsay Choir for many years, and later, at Luther Riverside in Saskatoon, she joined both the choir and the Ukeladies club with her trademark enthusiasm.

Family time meant everything to her. Summers at Lower Fishing Lake and later at the cabin at Emma Lake were among her happiest memories. She loved cooking big meals for holidays and special occasions, and nothing made her smile more than a full house and a noisy table. Norma and Don also loved to travel—enjoying trips to B.C. with the girls, Hawaii with friends, community bus tours, and a memorable train journey to Vancouver.

Norma lived with spunk, zest, and always had a beautiful welcoming smile. She had a wonderful sense of humour and was always eager to share a laugh. Her warmth made people feel instantly welcome, and her joyful presence brightened every room.

Norma is lovingly remembered and survived by her daughters Barbara Poole, Maureen (Daryl) Moen, and Donna (Dan) Trottier.

Grandchildren: Dustin (Charlotte) Poole, Rick Poole, Dillon Moen, Rae‑Lynn (Don) Moen, Ben Trottier, Cody Trottier.

Great‑grandchildren: Adrianna, Declan, and Evangeline Poole; Rhys and Bryn Moen; Aulia and Elwyn Trottier.

She is also warmly remembered by her sisters Eva (Sam) David and Linda (Keith) Dutertre, her brother Arnold (Deb) Holm, her sister‑in‑law Isabel Holm, and many nieces and nephews in both the Holm and Eley families.

Norma was predeceased by her beloved husband Don, her son‑in‑law Doug Poole, her sister Carol Andresen, her brother Jim Holm, and Don’s siblings and their spouses.

Norma’s legacy lives on in the generations who follow her, in the children she nurtured, and in the communities she helped build. She will be remembered for her kindness, her strength, her generosity, and the joyful spark she brought to every moment.

A celebration of Norma’s life will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 2 pm in the Colonsay Community Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association.