McALLISTER, NORMA MAE (DUNCAN) - Norma Mae (Duncan) McAllister passed peacefully at home with family by her side on Sunday, July 15, 2012. Born in Saint John, NB on May 24, 1925 to James William and Beulah (Totten) Duncan, she is survived by her four children, Nancy-Lynne Baird, Elizabeth (Frank Koller), Kristie (Jack Knox) and Andrew and Sandra McAllister; her six grandchildren, Sean (Karen) Baird, Kent (Laura) Baird, Alexander and Dylan Knox, Samuel and Chloe McAllister; her great-granddaughter, Molly Baird; and many nieces and nephews. Norma is predeceased by her husband, Dr. Arnold McAllister; and her brother, Donald McCrea Duncan. Norma received the first University of New Brunswick (UNB) Presidential Citation for over sixty years of devotion to UNB and its students. She, Norma, served as President of the Faculty Wives Club. She founded the Student Wives’ Club before “support groups” were part of our language. She founded the 25 Year Club as a way of recognizing faculty for their long service. Norma was asked to use her flare for interior design in campus buildings and successfully advocated for the UNB Law School to install its first wheelchair ramp. In service to Fredericton, Norma was District Leader for the Girl Guides and served on the boards of the United Way, the Paraplegic Association and the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital. Norma organized Fredericton’s first neighbourhood association and created and hosted “People, Places and Things”, a community television program. Norma loved life. She had the soul of an artist, the heart of an activist and enough energy and enthusiasm for twenty people. Many friends experienced her memorable parties and contagious enthusiasm. We will miss her, but will forever feel her spirit. The family would like to thank especially Russell Parker and Dr. Gordon Plummer, and Charlene Burns and Esther Gallivan for helping us to fulfill our parents’ wish to remain in their home.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 17 from 6 to 8 pm at McAdam’s Funeral Home, 160 York St. in Fredericton. A service will be held at Saint Paul’s United Church, 224 York Street on Wednesday, July 18 at 2:00 pm with a reception immediately following the service. Rev. Murray McFarlane will be officiating. A private interment will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to Autism Nova Scotia, 1456 Brenton Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 2K7 (902-446-4995). Online condolences may be made at www.mcadamsfh.com