Obituary for Norma E. Steer
July 3, 1936 – April 26, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Norma Steer on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the
age of 88. Born on July 3, 1936, in Lacombe, Alberta, to Carl and Ethel Bella Gusek, Norma
led a life filled with resilience, love, and dedication to her family and community.
The eldest girl of 13 siblings, and one of eight sisters, Norma grew up experiencing the rigors
of rural life in Central Alberta. At just 10 years old, with her father away at war, she took on
responsibilities beyond her years, helping her mother raise her younger siblings and prepare
meals for farmhands. That unwavering work ethic and caretaking spirit became defining traits
throughout her life.
At 19, Norma married and embraced the role of a devoted mother to four children born
between 1958 and 1967. Together with her husband, she followed the oilfield life through
Alberta and Saskatchewan, ultimately settling in Coronation, Alberta. Norma proudly became a
major organizer of the Oil Wives of Canada in Coronation in 1973, and the following year, she
attended the National Convention, marking her impact on this community.
After her divorce in 1979, Norma carved out a fulfilling life in Calgary, raising her youngest son
and building a career that spanned diverse roles, from modeling fur coats to working as a bank
teller, managing retail, and ultimately serving as an office manager for Able Leasing until her
retirement in 2000. Her work-life showcased her adaptability, professionalism, and
determination.
A three-time cancer survivor, Norma was a true fighter who cherished the simple joys of life
after her retirement. She found immense happiness in visiting family and friends, watching her
family expand, and celebrating the milestones of her children, grandchildren, and great-
grandchildren.
Norma is lovingly remembered by her siblings Myrna Nolan, Marg Jensen, Linda Hophe (Ken),
Janice Gusek, and Jim Gusek; her children, Frank Steer (Anastassiya), Angela Prokopetz
(Don), Karen Gagnon (Marc), and Robert Steer (Diana); her grandchildren, Victor S.,
Christopher P. (Sabrina), Steven P. (Shelby), Jessie G. (Kate), Colton G. (Deanna), Angelynne
G. (Dylan), Kaela Graham (Bruce), and Elizabeth Miller (Tim); and her great-grandchildren,
Emily, Cole, Gracie, Braydon, Bexley, Emersyn, Colby, Wyatt, Milo, Mathis, and Mika. She will
be deeply missed but forever remembered for her love, strength, and grace.
A memorial service to celebrate Norma’s life will be held at a later date and time. In lieu of
flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Arthritis Society of Canada or the
Alberta Cancer Foundation.
Norma’s legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her. May she rest in peace.
Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 1412 – 21 Avenue, Didsbury, Alberta. Phone 403-335-4773

• Date : 2025-05-08
• Location : (Didsbury) LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com