Nora McDERMOTT

How appropriate that the gym at Hamber be dedicated to an inspiring teacher, Nora McDermott. I had the pleasure of Miss McDermott as my volleyball coach from 1973-1978. She was dedicated and an incredible coach. I fondly remember my years at Hamber which led to my eventual career as a teacher due to the impact of teachers like Nora. We all loved her t-bird. Miss you Nora and thank you for the wonderful impact you had during my years at Hamber. Karen Kettenacker -class of 78

We would like to thank and extend our appreciation to Nora McDermott for the Legacy gift she created on behalf of the thousands of people in B.C. with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia, and on behalf of their caregivers.

Alzheimer Society of B.C.

The front row at St.Pius X will not be the same without you. It looked so empty today. Only heard of Nora's passing this week and was SHOCKED. Pleae accept my deepest sympathy. I am so glad that I recently had breakfast with Nora and Mary and she told me all about her days in basketball. I will miss you Nora.

Nora was an inspirational manager,particularly for The Retreads-and we needed management. I re-met Nora during the workouts, in Calgary and Vancouver. Always a team player. Sad to know she is gone, but she made the most of every minute here.

Sad news, indeed. Nora's passing does cause us to reflect on the massive contribution she made to sport and to her students. She set an example of selflessness and competitiveness to which we should all aspire. God bless you, Nora.

Thank you for your commitment to teaching us students at Eric Hamber. You touched a lot of people during your teaching career and made the school a better place. The dedication of the gym in your name is well deserved.

Brenda Chinn
Hamber '81

Ms. McD you inspired us all! We owe you so much for what you taught us as your students and your athletes. Competitive but professional all the way! The gym just isn't the same without you. A well deserved dedication and now the Hamber Girls Gym will be appropriately known as The Nora McDermott Gymnasium. We will miss you RIP Ms. McD

Andrea Nicholson - Eric Hamber (Class of 1980)

I felt sad to read the obit in the Province and then to get an email from Ken McLeod confirming and notifying those who wouldn't have maybe even read it in the paper, I appreciate that and he suggested I include my thoughts here.

"Miss McDermott" was a great mentor to me and many others. She encouraged me to try out for the J.O. Jr. team after playing Monday night basketball in Gr. 7 at John Oliver.She said I was short, but fast (ha). So with her encouragement I did and made the team!!! She certainly had a lot to do with my "confidence" building in the early high school days. Sports became my outlet and it wouldn't have happened without someone like her - a wonderful, caring, supportive, warm teacher--she is the one teacher I will always remember.I wouldn't have even thought of basketball as a choice for me without her encouragement! I still play today through our local Parks & Rec on "Monday" nights in Armstrong and love it. Best wishes to her family at this sad time--she was a special lady and I truly admired her spirit and coaching skills!! She made a difference to a lot of people. Sincerely, Janet Ashton (Winterlik)

So sorry for the loss of one of Eric Hamber's most beloved teachers. Ms. McDermott was an inspiration to all who knew her.
Linda Saxe

I was fortunate to have you as a basketball coach at John Oliver High. I have thought of you often through the years. Thank you Nora.

Marg (Poole) Cambridge

Miss McDermott was our teacher at Eric Hamber and gave us a great love of sports and life... the gym.. I believe has just been named for her!, Nora McLellan

I really have so many great memories of Nora and I will always remember the good times in Deep Cove where she would take us for a water ski or boat ride and later catching crab off her dock for crab dinners on Sea Shell lane afterwards. Nora was a great person to anyone who knew her and a genuinely nice person. She always had a funny story to tell as I picture her telling one of many, hands in her pocket while bouncing energetically on her feet, ready for a basketball to drop any moment and constant adrenalin in her blood. I am going to miss her charm and spirit.

I was fortunate, privileged, and honoured to have had Nora as a colleague (and Department Head) during my early years in the profession. Her ability to inspire others, to make one feel that their thoughts and ideas mattered, and that they themselves mattered, were traits of a "master teacher". In hindsight, they were qualities of a wonderful, caring individual!

Nora was a true "professional" in every sense and, to this day, I have always been grateful for her leadership and mentorship.

Nora, I was blessed to have had you as my teacher, my coach, my teammate and my friend. The 50's were a great time to be at John Oliver for sports. Memories of those days with the "Eiler's" will remain forever. I will never forget you.

Zoe Albi (Robinson)

I will never forget your abundant energy during all of our pe classes. you will be missed. Cathie Simpson EH 1976

On behalf of the former John Oliver High School Historical Society, I would like to express our regrets and sympathies to family and friends over the passing of Nora. She left a great legacy in sports and coaching to many former players and students. Rest in Peace, Nora.

You were by far the best and most inspiring PE teacher I ever had Ms.McDermott....I loved you....and even after 30 odd years, I thought of you often. Thank you for being there.
Sharon Broccoli

Thank you Ms Mcdermott for all you taught us as teens.....i can never drive by Hamber without thinking of you and the figure 8 run.....may you rest peacefully