Obituary of Nora Darbyshire

Elenora "Nora" Darbyshire, was born on Sept. 27, 1916 in Carmel, Sk (near Humbolt), and passed away on March 3, 2009 in Prince Albert surrounded by her family, at the age of 92 years old. Nora was one of nine children born to Henry and Emma Lueken. Nora leaves to cherish her memory; her twin sons, Howard (Carol) Darbyshire of Prince Albert, Sk, Leonard (Diana) Darbyshire of Big River, Sk, her grandchildren; Brad (Deni) Darbyshire of Saskatoon, Sk, and their children Lane and Tori, Devin and Kyle of Saskatoon, Anna, Logan and Kayla Darbyshire of Prince Albert, her sister-in-laws; Jenny Lueken of Big River, and Theresa Lueken of Prince Albert, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, relatives and many friends. Nora was predeceased by her husband Fred Darbyshire in 1989, her parents Henry and Emma Lueken, and her brothers Leo in infancy, Leonard, Herbert, Ralph, and Anthony. Her sisters Marie Hanghofer, Laura Lueken and just one month ago, Delphine Storey, her sister-in-law Eleanor Lueken, brother-in-laws Loe Hanghofer and Arnold Storey. Nora moved to Big River in 1935 with her family where she lived and worked until meeting and marrying Fred Darbyshire in 1941. They moved to Flin Flon shortly afterwards to help run a saw mill until 1945, when Fred was drawn back to the north, where they trapped for the next many years, spending summers in big River. In 1956 their twin boys, Howard and Leonard were born, and they then moved to Ile a La Cross and started a mink ranch. Nora would look after the boys and the mink ranch through the winters on her own, and Fred would go trapping up north. She helped run the mink ranch until retiring in 1972, at which time they started going back to Russel Lake for fall and spring trapping. Nora loved the north, and her heart was always in Ile a La Cross at the old house and in the north. By 1985 she had moved back to Big River for the winters, and full time in 1987. She loved visitors dropping in and talking about the north over enjoying a cup of tea. She also loved to spend time with the seniors group whether it was exercising, potlucks or just volunteering. As she got older, she was not able to walk very far, but she appreciated all of the rides she received, thank you to all for this. Nora loved her yard and all of the flowers in it, except for those pesky yellow ones. Knitting, listening to country music, curling, church, hockey and listening to Don Cherry were all Nora's favorite things. A visit from her grandchildren would light up her day, she was very proud of all of them. She liked to keep up with what they were all doing as much as possible. Nora was a fine lady, a courageous individual and we are all blessed that she was part of our life. Mom, grandma, auntie, and friend we love you and will miss you. Until we meet again -May God bless. Memorial donations may be made to the Pediatric Oncology or Heart and Stroke Foundation. Interment will be in the Big River Cemetery at a later date.