The death of Norah Start occurred peacefully on February 24th at the Dr. Chalmers Hospital, Fredericton following a brief illness and declining health. Norah was born in Singapore into a military family and travelled widely in her early life as she moved from posting to posting with her father Major Fred Pott and mother Florence. She completed her formal schooling in England immediately prior to the Second World War. Through the early war years she was employed in the NAAFI. During this time she developed a reputation as a marksman winning many shooting competitions and silver spoons. Before the war’s end she married Douglas Start, Bandmaster of the Cameron Highlanders. Through the early post war era they were stationed throughout Europe and North Africa as part of the post war occupation. Norah came to Canada in 1955 with her son Michael to join Douglas who was seconded to the Canadian Black Watch regiment to organize their regimental band. In the early 1960’s Douglas accepted a position with the University of New Brunswick where she also found employment. Over the years she provided administrative support to a number of University Departments. Her greatest pride came from the time spent with Dr. Cummings of the Biology Department and her own published work on the successful cloning of African violets. In private life she was an avid gardener in the good months and seamstress, knitter, wine maker and an accomplished tailor when the gardening was slow. In retirement, until the responsibilities of looking after her husband who suffered from Alzheimer’s grew too heavy she gave her time to support a number of charities. Norah is predeceased by her husband Douglas and survived by her son, Michael (Jennifer) of Rothesay, N.B., two grandchildren, Emma in Montreal and Julia in Amsterdam and two great grandchildren Quinn and Ben, a brother Anthony Pott of Southampton, England, nieces and nephews in England and India. Despite distance and the changes brought about by decades of separation, Norah’s circle of friends extended back to her school days maintained by letters, cards and always Christmas calls.
Following Norah’s wishes her remains will be cremated with all arrangements entrusted to Bishop’s Funeral Home. There will be no visitation. Norah’s long and accomplished life will be celebrated by a remembrance at a later date. For those who wish, donations in Norah’s memory may be made to Hospice, Chrysalis House or a charity of the donor’s choice. www.bishopsfuneralhome.com