Norma Jacqueline ISAACS

NORMA JACQUELINE ISAACS (nee RENAULT)


On Saturday, March 3rd, 2012 my beautiful Mother passed away peacefully in her sleep. Born in Toronto on July 28th, 1923 to John D. and Annie H. Renault, she was the youngest of three siblings (brothers Melville and Arthur). As a young woman, she sang with the Leslie Bell Singers. She then discovered acting after her best friend Betty Leighton convinced her to join the Deep River Players. Mom starred in several productions including 'Salad Days' which opened at the Crest Theatre in Toronto and traveled to Off Broadway, as well as 'Epitaph for George Dillon' at the Grand Theatre in London, Ontario. She was a member of the ensemble cast alongside Martha Henry in the brilliant CBC television drama 'Talking to a Stranger'. She was also a gifted dressmaker and designer with a business of her own in the 50's. Exceptionally talented and very modest, Mom rarely mentioned her achievements. She excelled as a photographer after taking an archaeological tour through Greece. She even won a National Quilting Contest. Mom was a wonderful, kind, and generous person, who touched the lives of everyone she met, including her loving pets. She was witty, had a fantastic sense of humour, a huge appetite for culture, and was always ahead of her time. Having her in my life opened my eyes to a world that I may never have experienced, and sharing it with her made it that much more special. She meant everything to me and I will love her forever. Thank you to family and friends for your support over the past couple of years and to Elaine for being such a great caregiver. A gathering to celebrate the life of Norma Jacqueline Isaacs will be held on Saturday, March 31st, 2012. Location and time to follow.