VEZINA, Noreen Mary
Noreen quietly on Monday evening with Family by her side at Cassellholme in her 90th year.
She was the beloved wife of Colin P. Vezina for nearly 70 years, and beloved Mom of Stephen, (Patricia) Randy, devoted daughter Laurie Vezina (David Betz) all of North Bay; and her youngest son. Colin David, (Bev) Caledon, ON, who predeceased her in 2022.
Noreen was a lovely person in spirit and being and had great love for her Family, life and people, her community, the Pro-Cathedral and the young athletic groups she coached in Curling, Ringette, Guides and Brownies.
Noreen was a master seamstress and designer and made various bride’s dresses and bridesmaids dresses. Her creativity extended to landscape painting and of people.
When her children were in their teens, she went to work for Jim Redpath who had just founded JS Redpath Ltd. and stayed for nearly 18 years handling the front office reception and customer calls. She then concentrated on golfing and especially curling, until she was in her early eighties.
Noreen was an original North Bay Regional Health Center Volunteer and handled various assignments for 11 years until illness intervened.
Noreen was a Life member of the Cathedral Catholic Women’s League and held various positions over the years. As well, she was an Associate Member of Branch 23, Royal Canadian Legion and worked alongside Colin in community events. With Colin, she was a founding member of the Heritage Railway and Carousel Co.
Her grandchildren: Karli, Mathew, (Liz) Owen and Nick (Robyn) were very special as were her great grandchildren, Bruce and Alice.
Noreen was very fond of her brothers in law, Bob, Lyall and Michael, who predeceased her.
She was the daughter of the late Leo and Laurette Brisson and was also predeceased by her brother, Gorman, sister Jeannette and survived by brother Larry, Calif. (Lorraine).
She considered her niece, Cathy Vezina, as one of her own. They shared sewing ideas, creations and programs and she had a special fondness for her nephew, Derek Brisson and Grandson Nick.
Noreen saw the good in people and when someone was down, she did what she could to make life a little brighter. She was just a very good soul, a wonderful wife and mother.
These past 10 years saw Noreen contend with cancer, failed eye surgery and finally, Alzheimers, but not once did she ever complain and called on her faith in Christ to get her through.
Encouraging Colin to expand his career in communications from North Bay to Windsor was a factor in his success.
Our Family will welcome visitors Wednesday at Martyn Funeral Home from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10am Thursday by Fr. Larry Rymes at the Pro-Cathedral.
Pallbearers were Stephen, Randy, Mat, Owen and Nick Vezina and David Betz.
Our gratitude to Dr. Renee Gauthier and to the dedicated staff members at Cassellholme , especially on Willow Street, who made Noreen feel at home with dignity these past three years. She always had a smile for the staff. Our thanks as well to Martyn Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Alzheimer Society.
