Peacefully, on January 28, 2019, Sophie Lynn Normand passed away at the Health Sciences Centre at the age of 72 years. It is with extreme sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Mother, Mother in Law, Baba, Sister, Auntie, and beloved friend to so many.

 

Sophie is survived by her two sons, Derek Normand (Sherrie) and Tyler Normand (Jennifer Karaim); grandsons, Brendan Karaim-Normand, Noah Karaim-Normand, and Dylan Normand; granddaughters Sarah Karaim-Normand and Teala Normand; brother, Wally Segin (Wendy); sister, Jane Mah (Allan); sister-in-law, Mary Lou Segin; treasured niece, Rhonda Mah Scott; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her father, Wasyl Segin; mother, Anne Segin; brother, Johnny Segin; sister-in-law, Ann Segin; and great-nephew, Eric Scott.

 

Sophie was born on a farm in Poplarfield, Manitoba, and lived there with her family until she was 13 when the family moved to Winnipeg. Sophie met and married her husband in Winnipeg and spent most of her life there. There was a brief time the young family relocated to British Columbia, where her second son was born, but Winnipeg was their true home and they soon returned to stay for good.

 

As a young woman Sophie tried various jobs, but eventually settled on a career in photo finishing, which she enjoyed until she neared retirement, when she spent some time working in day care at the U of M. Sophie was a devoted Mother and incredibly proud of her two sons and their families. When her grandchildren came along they were the light of her life. When they were small she loved cooking and baking with them, taking them for outings to the park and pool, and walks to the BDI for ice creams. As the grandchildren grew, she continued to be very involved in their lives, and was so proud of their accomplishments. She loved watching them play sports, and never missed an award ceremony or holiday concert. Sleepovers with the grandchildren were an important part of her life, and theirs. Even her oldest grandchild at the age of 21 would still visit Baba for a sleepover.

 

Everyone who knew Sophie knew she was a truly special person with many gifts. Extremely compassionate, she had a soft spot for those in need. She loved people wholly and unconditionally. She was always positive and non-judgmental. She was also fiercely independent and strong willed. She loved a good laugh, and if she gave you a card you knew it would be the funniest one she could find. Sophie was a wonderful cook, and at every holiday and family gathering people were waiting eagerly for her perogies and cabbage rolls. She always had an open door to the neighbourhood kids, when her boys were young and later when her grandkids were visiting. She was a second Mom and Baba to many. She was blessed with a large network of strong and supportive friends that became extended family to her. They were often together drinking tea, supporting each other through a good or bad time, or heading out to her much-loved past time of Bingo.

 

Friends and relatives are encouraged to share in stories and condolences for the family by using the comment section on the right.

 

As per her wishes cremation has taken place and there will be no formal services.

 

The family would like to thank the staff on the 7th floor of the St. Boniface hospital for their kindness and attention to keeping Sophie as comfortable as possible during her final days. We would also like to extend thanks to the staff at HSC for their kindness during her brief stay there.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Main Street Project.