Nora Birch Obituary
1997-2014
BELGRADE - Nora "Sunflower" Birch - aka Nona, was born in Augusta, Maine, 1997, making her 17 when she tragically took her own life on September 30, 2014. Nona was a Belgrade girl all her life, and was 7 months away from graduating from high school to attend Colby, Bowdoin, or UMF where she planned to become an editor. She had been working all summer in Belgrade Lakes at the Dairy Bar and Wings Hill to earn money for college.
Her brilliant mind, sharp wit and loving demeanor, touched all that knew her. Her snarky comments, and bantering, were a "shot of caffeine" for her fellow students on boring school days. She loved to draw, sing, and sarcastically duel back and forth with others. She took many AP classes which she loved, and was heavily involved in Band, Chorus, Drama, a woman's singing group called, "Lirama", accompanying on piano for violinist and cellists of Pineland Fiddlers, Pineland Suzuki, and New England Music Camp. She was looking forward to starting her first private lessons as a piano teacher, trying to start up a band with a friend who is a talented fiddler, and continuing to play music wither her sister, who plays violin, and brother, who plays guitar.
She is survived by her Papa, Mumma, brothers Ayden (Buster Brown) and Haven (Hoo Hoo), sisters - Pyper (Petunia) and Ivy (Zhu-Zhu). Her Grammy Lynn in CA, Paka and Mimi, her Great-Great-Aunt Rose (who she loved to speak French with), Great-Aunt Bernice, her close Aunts - Jessie, K.C., Becky, Jeanne, and Kasey. Uncles - Kenny, Kory, Jeff, and Bobby, her monkey cousin Harrison, and Beefcake Wyatt. Also, her many clan cousins and family on the West Coast, and a broad amount of cousins and family on the East Coast. As well as, her special friends in Band, Chorus, NEMC, Pineland Fiddlers, and Suzuki - and special friends Sierra, Tesla, Liam, Gracie, Julia, Emma, Ethan, and Erik.
Nora was a born again Christian who attended Belgrade Bible Church and regularly attended Camp Good News in Livermore Falls, where she always had more fun than should have been legal. But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. We already miss her yelling as she came in the front door, "Mumma, I'm home. "When we see her next she will be running to us and saying, "Mumma and Papa, you're HOME!"
There will be a remembrance gathering in Oakland at the Performing Arts Center Wednesday October 8 at 6 p.m. A funeral will be held at Belgrade Bible Church in Belgrade, Maine, on October 10, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, send the donations to help support the Birch family by submitting PayPal payments to this email address: [email protected]. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux Funeral Home, 8 Elm St. Waterville, ME. www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Melissa
September 23, 2022
Every year I remember you.Even though I never ment you.This day you changed my life, You Opened my eyes and heart This day you made me a better mother.I will be there like every year with flowers! Lil lady.
Mimi
February 14, 2022
My heart is full of beautiful memories. I'll see you on the other side.
Mimi
September 30, 2021
Today 7 years since your death. Sadness, memories. Knowing we will see each other again in HEAVEN. That's what keeps me going. Love Mimi
Anna May
September 30, 2020
My first grandchild. The bond will never be broken. Until we meet again. MiMi
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Anna May
September 30, 2020
My first grandchild The bond will never be broken. Until we meet again. Mimi
Matt Thompson
December 30, 2016
I didn't know Nora but I knew Her sister Ivy and I'm so very sorry about you loss I could just never find the right time to tell you
Dawn Bubier
December 11, 2014
Jenn, Ron, Anna mae, Jerry, and family, so sad about the loss of your beautiful Nora, knowing that she is with Jesus and all of the beautiful memories will carry you through until you hold her again.
October 20, 2014
I do not know your family, but did grow up in Central Maine, and have also lost a loved one to suicide (my father). I just wanted to say that I am so incredibly grateful for your willingness to be so open about her passing, it shows great strength, compassion, and understanding towards mental health issues. While I know that this is a tragically painful loss for all of you, may you find solace in your strength. God bless.
Tammie Breton
October 16, 2014
Annamay, sending my prayers to you and your family. Nora will be greatly missed and we will all see her again in heaven.
Cathy McKelway
October 13, 2014
I am so very, very sorry for your loss. Nora seemed a kind, artistic and quirky soul. May she rest in peace.
Barb Champagne
October 13, 2014
I don't know this Beautiful young lady or her family, but I needed to tell that I am truly very sorry for your loss and that this beautiful Angel is truly a Sunflower
Katie Elliott
October 12, 2014
Nora was so sweet and we will all miss you.??
tabatha wozniak
October 12, 2014
I am truly sorry for the loss of your beautiful sunflower. ....
Brianna Birch
October 10, 2014
Im really sad that I didnt get to know Nora. I know that she was your pride and joy. Im glad to know that when we all go home I will see her their. I love you guys and miss you
lori mcintosh
October 10, 2014
Ron and Jen, my heart breaks when I think of what a great loss your entire family has to face.
It is a loss greater than any you will ever have to endure. Nora is and always will be a beautiful gentle soul and heaven is blessed by her light.I cannot express how much sorrow I feel for you and your family. God wrap his arms around you and envelope you in his love. God bless with much love ?
Margret(Beth) Cook
October 9, 2014
So sorry for such a tragic loss. Your angel has touched even those she never met, if only through her friends. May God comfort you and your family and friends in this time of sorrow. Lovingly, Beth, a Mom in WI
Margret(Beth) Cook
October 9, 2014
So sorry for such a tragic loss. Your angel has touched even those she never met, if only through her friends. May God comfort you and your family and friends in this time of sorrow. Lovingly, Beth, a Mom in WI
October 9, 2014
Dear Birch's, know that our hearts ache beyond words for you. Praise God that one day we will see Nora again :) May you feel the love in all our prayers. The Landrys (Camp Good News "Family")
October 8, 2014
Ron and family, we are so sad for your loss. the Cutler's.
Belgrade, ME
Bernadette Harvell
October 8, 2014
Dear family, my heart is broken tonight as I learned about Nora just today. I was her supervisor at CYIA in 2013 and enjoyed her commitment, humor, and smarts. I will be praying for you that the God of all comfort will comfort you.
In Christian love,
Bernadette
Judith Dorsey Gomberg
October 8, 2014
Beautiful, kind, delightful, talented Nora, full of tender love for your family and friends. You were unique, quirky, capricious and had such style and verve. May our prayers for Ron, Jen, Ayden, Pyper, Haven, Ivy, Anna May, Gerry and Jessica uphold you until we are all reunited once again. Our life is but a vapor which vanisheth away... but then comes the morning. God Bless you.
Elaine Werner
October 8, 2014
Dear Jen and Ron and family, I remember you fondly from your short time in Seymour, WI....I am so sorry for your tragic heartbreak. May our God hold you in His loving arms.
Rhonda Breard
October 8, 2014
With deeepes sympathy to all of you. Nora will be sadley missed but fondly remembered. Foever in our Hearts
October 8, 2014
Nora - I will remember you brightening every stage you were on. You were a joy to watch perform - may you rest in peace. Kelly (Oakland)
October 8, 2014
I am so sorry for your Lose
October 8, 2014
To the Birch family, I did not know your daughter but her story has pierced my heart. I look at this beautiful picture of a girl who is lost to this world. I'm sure no words can comfort you at this time but know even strangers have been changed by your beautiful angel. My prayers are with your family and I hope that you can find peace in your love and memories of Nora.
An Oakland Mom
October 8, 2014
My heart goes out to the family. Remember Jesus' words found in john5:21 "For just as the Father raises the dead up and makes them alive, so the Son also makes alive whomever he wants to".
michelle
October 8, 2014
nora is one of those people you could never forget ...I had the pleasure of watching her grow ..weather I worked at the school or an activity at school ..my children all have grown up with the birch children an all have been affected by this great loss...Nora your energy your smile will be greatly missed here on earth .Heaven watch out....
Amy Godleski
October 7, 2014
Our deepest sympathy goes to your family. Nora will be missed and thought of every time we walk into the PAC.
A mom of a friend
October 7, 2014
My deepest sympathies. Your journey here is harder now, but you will find her again in the end.
Amanda Nkamwesiga
October 7, 2014
My husband and I met Nora at Camp Good News when we were the camp missionaries there for 2 years. We both got to have some really great one on one talks with her. A bright girl who will be missed. We are mourning with your family and praying for you all.
Lisa French
October 7, 2014
We were so sorry to hear of your loss, my heart goes out to you and your family, Nora will be sadly missed, we will always remember her just lighting up the room with her presence...
Lisa French
October 7, 2014
I was so sorry to hear of your loss....my thoughts are with you and your family Nora would always brighten a room....
Ron Foster
October 7, 2014
Honey you will be sorely missed myheart goes out to all affected your in my prayers
The Brodeur Family
October 7, 2014
We wish you peace as you navigate through this difficult time.
October 7, 2014
I don't know your family, but felt the need to express my deepest sympathy in your family's loss.
Judi Mccaslin
October 7, 2014
Ron and family, y'all are in our prayers constantantly . All my family wishes y'all the best and we are deeply sorry for your loss.
Leslie Burrows
October 7, 2014
Ron and Jen, I am So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sharon Reardon
October 7, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss! My thought and prayer are with your family. May you always hold the memories of her, close in your hearts.
Joe & Joanne Parker
October 6, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss.
Cindy Streznewski
October 6, 2014
Dear Jen, Ron, Aiden, Piper, Haven and Ivy,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember her bright smile and her beautiful voice. She will surely lead the choir of Angels in song.
Ashley Collins
October 6, 2014
Nora, you were a beautiful and talented girl. You will be missed so much. R.I.P. Bright Angel, shine bright and keep smiling. Praying for the Birch family.<3
Ronica Jurdak
October 6, 2014
My prayers for the healing of your hearts as you try to live on through this loss......
October 6, 2014
To the Birch family, I am so sorry for your loss. Nora was a very beautiful girl & so talented. My prayers are with your family. I pray the Lord put His loving arms around you & comfort you. Linda Knight (Oakland, Me.)
Tina Frappier
October 6, 2014
To the Birch family, I am so sorry for your loss. Nora is a great girl and she will never be forgotten. Thoughts and prayers are with you!!
October 6, 2014
Nora was a wonderful Girl. She always used to make us laugh and smile. She will be missed by all. Prayers to the Birch Family. Nora is home now.
Paige McGlauflin
October 6, 2014
Nora, I will miss you so much and your glowing and energetic presence in class, chorus, and drama. You never failed to bring a smile to anyone's face and make us laugh with your witty remarks. I cannot thank you enough for the wonderful memories you have left me with, and I will cherish them forever.
Tia Chandler
October 6, 2014
R.I.P Nora <3 You will be missed forever. Lost but never forgotten<3
October 6, 2014
To the Birch Family: So sorry for the loss of your daughter, "Nora", she was a beautiful young lady. Walmart Pharmacy
October 6, 2014
I did not know Nora well, but just catching a glimpse of her smile brightened my day. I will miss that.
October 6, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss of such a wonderful young lady. Please know that our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you during this difficult time.
John and Sarah DeWitt and family.
Donna Wadleigh
October 6, 2014
To the Birch Family you have our deepest sympathy she was an amazing girl who will be sadly missed by by all .
brittany eldon
October 6, 2014
even though i had just moved to messalonski i met nora once and she was so sweet i felt like i had known her forever she was one of the nicest young ladies i have met in so many years i am deeply sorry for your loss but she will always be in yours and my heart
October 6, 2014
Heaven gained another beautiful angel, although I didn't know Nora that well, I knew she was a nice young lady. Rest in peace Nora.
October 6, 2014
Dear Jennifer, Ron, Anna Mae & Gerry and Family
We are so sorry for your loss our thought and prayers go out to all of you. She is now one of Gods angels looking down on all of us.
Love,
Aunt Connie, Jayne, Terry and family
October 6, 2014
Though I did not know this special lady, my heart breaks for your loss....like you said you will see her again in a far better place.....
Betsy from Belgrade
Tesla Newell
October 6, 2014
I will forever remember Nora's beautiful smile that could warm any heart.
Cathy Dostie
October 6, 2014
So sorry for the loss of Nora. I have enjoyed watching her grow from a busy toddler to a beautiful young lady. Our neighborhood will not be the same with out her.
October 6, 2014
Dear AnnaMay & Family,
So sorry for your lose, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
David & Lois Godbout
Adam and Katrina Michaud
October 6, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss, heaven has gained a beautiful Angel. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Michaela Shaw
October 6, 2014
I met Nora at Camp Good News and thought she was the coolest one there. We were in the same cabin for CYIA and a few weeks while we worked after that. She taught me to knit, make tea, and was one of the best camp friends you could ask for. My thoughts and prayers go to anybody Nora knew, because she could instantly touch and brighten their day. I'm sorry for your loss, she was amazing.
Natasha Deck
October 6, 2014
May God embrace you in his love
Megan Smith
October 6, 2014
You were very nice and out going and I thought you were a good player with your instrument...
October 6, 2014
We did not have the opportunity to know Nora or your family but our heartfelt prayers are with you now. A beautiful life cut too short, take solace in the memories you shared. God Bless
The Wilkie Family
October 6, 2014
I am so moved by your daughters obituary in today's Morning Sentinel that I thought I would share some thoughts with you. I did not know your daughter but have great respect for her life as she was very involved in living life to the fullest. I know as parents you sacrificed and gave her everything possible to make sure she had a good foundation for her future. I too was touched by a tragic suicide (my brother and a few weeks later my 5 year old niece choked to death). My Granddaughter named Julia Grace was born in 1998 and her sister named Emma was born in 2001. They both play violin, run marathons, run cross county, Nordic skiing in winter, play LaCross, both belong to the Vermont Youth Orchestra. and even get up at 5:30am for violin lessons before school, then sports after school. The family goes to the Grace United Methodist Church in VT. where they are usually involved in all the music there. Quite the schedule! I worry about too much pressure on them to be great at everything they do. I guess I'll have to have some of the faith you exhibit in your daughter's obituary. Thank you for those precious words of wisdom and encouragement you shared. And God bless you and all your loved ones as you go through this process and continue with everyday life. Sharon Chadwick
Lilly Bickford
October 6, 2014
Nora, thank you for being such a great friend. Nathan and Brad will miss you. Rest in Peace Sweetheart.
Jen, Ron, Ayden, Haven, Pyper, and Ivy, I'm so very sorry for your loss. God Bless you all. If you need anything, please let us know.
michelle
October 6, 2014
may you forever be with the angels
October 6, 2014
Dear AnnaMay and family we are so sorry for your loss . Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you . The Raynes Family
Bill Dolley
October 6, 2014
Dear Ron and Jennifer,
I am deeply saddened by your loss. Nora was a very bright and polite young lady at Belgrade Central School. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sandy Breton
October 6, 2014
Dear AnnaMay and family Our prayers are with you and your family at this time. may God comfort you at this time
Sara Sloan
October 6, 2014
sending love to get you through
Sierra and Ethan
October 6, 2014
We miss you so much
Joanne, Cliff, Travis Smith
October 6, 2014
Sending love and prayers from our family, to yours. ?
Jennifer Birch
October 6, 2014
The venue for the Remembrance Gathering has changed, it will now be on Wed Oct 8 at 6 pm BUT at the Faith Evangelical Church on KMD.
Lynn Birch
October 6, 2014
Our Home coming reunion will be a wonderful occasion. You will be in our thoughts and heart until then. I love you Nona
Barbara Brochu
October 6, 2014
Dearest AnnaMay and family of Nora.. weeping with you at the unspeakable loss of this incredibly beautiful and talented girl...... Barbara Brochu
October 6, 2014
"Sunflower" is the perfect nickname for your Nora. She was such a beautiful girl...inside and out. I remember her with a ready smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. My prayers are with your entire family. She was a gift to all who knew her...thank you for sharing your Sunflower with us. With Love and Peace, Jenny McGee
Sherie Lizzotte (Belanger)
October 6, 2014
Jen, I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
The Elliotts... Danielle, Matt, Grace and Katharine
October 6, 2014
Such a beautiful picture of Nora. My heart hurts for all of you. Know that you are all in our prayers, every day.
Amy Fougere
October 6, 2014
Jen and family, you are in our prayers. Even though I only met Nora once, I saw her several times from a distance and was stuck by her beauty and the light that radiated within her. I know that light touched so many people. Love to you all.
Rhonda Pooler-Ames
October 6, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May your memories or Nora help heal your heart.
Gerry and AnnaMay Pooler
October 6, 2014
Our beautiful smart and talented 1st Grandaughter is with the Lord. We miss her and always will. LOVE Mimi & Paka Pooler.
Stephanie O'Hanlon
October 6, 2014
I am truly sorry for your loss. May your hearts find a way to heal so that you may feel peace during this difficult time.
The Gagne-Sengendo Family
October 6, 2014
Many prayers to you for peace, comfort and understanding. Our Lord and Saviour has His loving arms wrapped tightly around Nora. God Bless
Aunt KC & Uncle Bobby
October 6, 2014
We miss your bright smile and that playful look in your eyes. We love you and thank God for every precious moment we shared with you. As He holds you close in His arms, we hold you close in our hearts! XO
Rhoda Willard
October 6, 2014
I remember Nora as a little Kindergarten student at Belgrade Central School. Vibrant, chipper and eager to learn. Nora was a lovely girl who grew to be a lovely young lady. My condolences to the family. You are in my prayers.
Cindy & Rich McCarthy
October 6, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Nora was truly one of a kind and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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8 Elm Street, Waterville, ME 04901
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