Norine Elizabeth (Lane) Richards

With profound sadness we share the sudden passing of Norine Elizabeth Richards on the 10th of May 2024. She was at home, enjoying a crisp spring salad and chilled vodka soda with fresh lime. Born on the 8th of June 1951 and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia, she was the eldest daughter of Philip and Beverley Lane. Norine was extraordinary: vivacious, beautiful and fun, everyone knew when she entered a room. Strangers quickly learned that she was deeply kind, caring and genuinely interested in others — as beautiful inside as out. To be her friend, to be part of her family, was to feel cherished, loved and incredibly special. Married to Wally in December of 1971 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish in Terence Bay Nova Scotia, they shared an amazing 52 years together. Devoted parents, Norine and Wally raised two wonderful children, Christine and Sean, and became the adoring, doting grandparents of Genavieve, Lauren and Jeremy. In addition to caring for her children and grandchildren, Norine was a dedicated daughter, sister, aunt, great-aunt and godmother, with many honourary nieces and nephews whom she also loved dearly. Norine was a successful, professional businesswoman who specialized in women’s intimate apparel. She was sought after by some of the world’s most famous brands to help them grow and expand their business. Jet-setting between Toronto, Vancouver, New York, Los Angeles, as well as France, Italy and Germany, she did the job she loved to do. Norine delighted in cooking for loved ones (her turkey dinners were out of this world), making chocolate milk in the mornings for the kids, and solving the weekend crossword puzzles with Wally. She loved to laugh and even more to hear others laughing, especially during her treasured phone calls with Sean or her 9-9:30 am calls with Christine. She loved to spend time at the beach in Nova Scotia and time anywhere with family and friends, and sometimes a good Negroni. We will forever miss her and will struggle to make even the simplest of things, like hot dogs, as tasty and as special as she could. Predeceased by her cherished parents (Phil and Bev) and parents-in-law (Dot and Walter Sr.). Norine is survived by Wally, Christine (Reed), Sean (Kate), Genavieve, Lauren and Jeremy; sisters Phyllis (Laurie) MacNeil and Margaret (Pete) Brown, brother Bill (Nora) Lane; sister-in-law Marguerite “Mikki” Richards; brothers-in-law Glenn (Kathy) Richards and Kenneth (Shirley) Richards, aunts Lillian and Anna, and many cousins. Even in passing, her extraordinary big heart and thought for others helped give the gift of life and sight to six people. Please consider registering to be an organ donor in memory of Norine. Forever in our hearts, you are simply the best. Eskimo, Butterfly, Angel kisses. In lieu of flowers, donations to the charity of your choice in Norine’s honour are welcome. Condolences and memories may be left at: www.mykeeper.com. Celebrations of Life will be held at a later date in Ontario and Nova Scotia. The Family would like to thank the incredible staff of the Ajax Pickering Hospital ICU for their care, compassion and assistance through this extremely difficult time