Noreen (Nora) Froehlich (Nee Bloch)

January 4, 1923 ~ January 27, 2024

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother on January 27, 2024, at the age of 101 years at her residence in Kin Place Manor, Oak Bank, MB.

Nora is lovingly remembered by her children; Alvin (Eileen), Judy St. Hilaire and Linda McMillan, her cherished grandchildren; Janelle, Cory (Ali), Kevin, Claudine, Terry (Tricia), Jamey (Jennifer) and Melanie Howard and her great-grandchildren; Isis and Jacob McMillan, Evan and Aiden St. Hilaire, Cole and Russ Froehlich and Rafael (Raffi) Superstein. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Harold (Ruth) Froehlich and many nieces and nephews. 

Nora was predeceased by her husband Fred on December 28, 1978, her sons-in-law John McMillan, Gerard St. Hilaire and Ken Neumann. She was devastated at the passing of her eldest grandson, Dwight St. Hilaire in 2019. 

Mom was the last survivor of 12 siblings. She was born and raised at Gull Lake, MB.  She married Dad and moved to a farm in Greenwald in 1941 where they farmed for 14 years.  After Dad’s deteriorating health they moved to Gull Lake where she resided until age 83 years. Mom was a very independent person who chose to live in her own home. After Dad’s passing, she got her driver’s license and learned to do her own banking.  She developed many new interests and hobbies.  Mom did some travelling, adventuring to the Maritimes and to Alaska.  She organized a three-day Bloch family reunion.  She was a member of the choir and Ladies Aid in her church.  She square danced and bowled.  She collected and compiled information for two historical publications (St. Clements Historical Committee and And They Built an Altar).

Mom loved to cook and bake, always ensuring that there were extras for the kids to take home.

During the summer and fall months she loved to spend her days in the nearby sandhills where she foraged for mushrooms and every kind of edible berry.  Then she spent countless hours turning those berries into delicious pies, jams and jellies. During cold winter days she crocheted, knit, and made many quilts and braided rugs which we cherish and enjoy today.  She also travelled back and forth visiting her children and doing childcare when needed. 

At the age of 83 it was time to leave her beloved country home. She moved to Tyndall where she lived for 10 years, enjoying the company of several new friends.  When the time came for her to receive more personal care, she moved into Kin Place Manor in Oak Bank.  She lived there for eight years; interacting with the residents and staff and enjoying all the activities.  During this time, she survived several bouts of COVID, RSV and numerous lockdowns.

Our Mom lived a long, eventful life.  She witnessed many changes from no electricity or running water in her house to luxurious baths, cell phones, text messaging and jet travel.  Mom left us with many great memories, a strong work ethic and examples of dedication and determination.  Thanks Mom, now you can rest.  Your work is done. 

Our family thanks the staff at Kin Place for their kindness, patience, and loving care that they showed our mom throughout the past years. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, February 6, at 1:30 p.m. at Sobering Funeral Chapel, 1035 Park Avenue East, Beausejour, Manitoba.  

Donations may be made, in Noreen’s memory, to a charity of one’s choice. 

http://www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

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