Norma Fligg

1926 - 2021

FLIGG, M. Norma (nee Melville) October 28, 1926 - December 6, 2021 A life-long Victoria resident, Norma slipped peacefully into the night at the age of 95, lying in her own bed next to Douglas, her beloved husband of 69 years. She passed away from natural causes and the advancing ravages of Alzheimer's disease. She will be remembered always and deeply missed by Douglas, daughter Margaret, son Graham (Cynthia), grandchildren Cameron (Kelsey), Deanna and Allison, and great-granddaughters Sydney and Ruby, along with nieces and nephews, and extended family in Great Britain. Predeceased by parents Major and Mrs. W. W. Melville and older brother W. Wilson Melville, and remembered by younger brother Dr. G. Graham Melville. Growing up at Melbrae, her parent's home on Ten Mile Point, Norma often reminisced about childhood adventures roaming the shoreline with her dog Kelpie. She went on to attend the Provincial Normal School (now the home of Camosun College) and Mount Douglas High School, transferring to graduate from Oak Bay High School's Class of 1945. A celebrated achievement in Norma's life was becoming a Registered Nurse, following her training in residency at Victoria's Royal Jubilee Hospital School of Nursing, which she completed in 1948, followed by several years of thorough enjoyment as a nurse at the hospital. She valued and maintained contact with the many friends made during her nursing years. An avid racquet sports enthusiast in her younger years, Norma met future husband Douglas at the Victoria Tennis and Racquet Club, marrying him in 1952. Proud home ownership and motherhood soon followed when the couple built their first house at the foot of Mount Tolmie on the site of a former daffodil farm. Here, in 'rural Victoria', with a dairy farm across the street, son Graham was welcomed in 1955 and daughter Margaret in 1957. As her children grew, and with Douglas's field work for the BC Forest Service often taking him away to the 'bush' during the summers, Norma maintained a spotless home, while managing a household with expert precision no matter the endeavour. She sustained a zeal for hosting bridge parties and many holiday meals, where homemade desserts were typically the highlight. Sewing was another passionate interest, which she taught at night school for a few years, and an eventual enthusiasm for her knitting machine produced lovingly crafted pieces for her grandchildren. With her children grown, Norma returned to work, applying her trademark dedication to cheery order and perfection in her role as nurse and receptionist for several Victoria physicians until her retirement. During newfound leisure time, Norma could often be found on the golf course, with Douglas or her favourite foursome. Always a fan of the outdoors and far-flung places, Norma and Douglas were fortunate to establish countless memories of many trips together, both in the wilds of British Columbia and on multiple cruises and travels abroad, which took them to such destinations as Iceland, Moscow, and the Mediterranean. As the years tallied ever higher, Norma and Douglas relocated in 2005 from their second home in Cordova Bay to the Broadmead townhome which, with its expansive view over the City she loved so much, became Norma's final residence. As Norma's spirit dimmed and her quality of life diminished, her final days were made significantly more comfortable thanks to expert support from resident care-giver Taeko, for whom the family is most grateful, and the ever-present devotion of her loving husband, Douglas, who will cherish memories of their many years together. Memories may be shared or condolences offered at www.firstmemorialsaanich.com. Donations in Norma's memory to a charity of personal choice will be gratefully appreciated. A private family memorial gathering will be held at a later date.