Waterloo Region Generations
A record of the people of Waterloo Region, Ontario.

Norma Irene Erb

Female 1929 - 2022  (92 years)


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  • Name Norma Irene Erb 
    Born 8 Sep 1929  [1
    Gender Female 
    Name Norma Irene Rudy 
    Residence 1980  Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [2
    Eby ID Number Waterloo-160598 
    Died 25 May 2022  Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [1
    Buried First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [1
    Person ID I160598  Generations
    Last Modified 6 Apr 2024 

    Father Daniel R. Erb,   b. 25 Nov 1893, Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 17 Feb 1977, Millbank, Mornington Twp., Perth County, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 83 years) 
    Mother Nancy Albrecht,   b. 9 May 1897, South Easthope Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 9 Feb 1980, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 82 years) 
    Married 7 Sep 1924  Wellesley Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [3, 4
    Family ID F31085  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family David Omar Rudy,   b. 9 May 1932,   d. 19 Oct 2020  (Age 88 years) 
    Last Modified 7 Apr 2024 
    Family ID F45787  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  • Notes 
    • With grief and love, we announce the passing of Norma Rudy (nee Erb) on May 25, 2022, at Sunnyside Home, at the age of 92.
      Norma was the wife of David Rudy for 65 years, father of Duane Rudy, Lynne Martin, and Gayle (Andrew) Lounsbury; grandmother of Jessica Lounsbury, Laura (Jake) MacTavish, Erin (Tyler) Babury, Ryan Martin, Sarah Martin, Amelia Leon-Rudy, Nathaniel Leon-Rudy; and sister-in-law to Dorothy Erb and Gwen Rudy.

      Norma was predeceased by her loving husband, her parents Daniel and Nancy (Albrecht) Erb, her brother Delmar Erb, her in-laws Bob Rudy and Joan (Clare) Scheerer.

      Norma was born September 8, 1929, on the family farm in Millbank, Ontario. She was an enthusiastic student at her one-room schoolhouse, winning first prize for artwork and public speaking at the local fair. She loved working in her family's sugar bush and accompanied her parents to sell goods at the Kitchener Market.

      In 1949, Norma attended youth camp at Chesley Lake, where she met David Rudy. He stayed part of her world through her time at Rockway Mennonite School and Teacher's College in Stratford. She then worked as a teacher at King George School in Brantford and received her BA from the University of Western (in 1983).

      After teacher's college, Norma married David and accepted a job at Westmount school in Kitchener. She resigned after 3 years per the rule for married teachers, and in 1960 joined David working at Fairview Mennonite Home. She delivered mail with baby Duane in tow, and from her visits with the residents got the idea to create programs to continue enriching their lives. From this idea grew arts and crafts programs, as well as the Fairview Newsletter, where she published interviews with the residents.

      Subsequently she was asked to write and edit the Quarterly for the Ontario Association of Homes for the Aged, which she did for 13 years. This led to her receiving an award from the Association, as well as a citation from the ministry recognizing her contributions to human interest reporting. Additional writing projects included a History of Homes for the Aged in Ontario; a manual for providing support services to seniors; a memoir about Sister St. Michael; the History of Chesley Lake; many Christmas pageants; and a dramatic adaptation of "The Trail of the Conestoga".

      In 1961, David built a cottage at Chesley Lake Camp. It was situated on a wood lot with trees, ferns and wildflowers and became a beloved retreat for the family. Norma was heavily involved in the camp's Bible School, and in revitalizing and maintaining a nature reserve on camp property.

      Norma also enjoyed travelling, and took the family to both Canadian coasts, Venezuela, as well as an extended trip through the mid- and south-west United States, and many trips to Florida. These experiences were important shared experiences for the family. International travel with David included Japan, Hawaii, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Everywhere they went they struck up lasting friendships, and they loved sharing slideshows of their experiences.

      It was important for her to make meaningful contributions to the lives of others. In her post-retirement years this included being very active in creating and maintaining the Stroke Recovery association. She never stopped advocating for stroke survivors and their families and creating a community to support them.

      Her seriousness was leavened by her quirky sense of humour. Even at the end she would often surprise her PSWs with a wisecrack and laughter. She delighted in good food, the company of friends, and keeping up with her extended family. The depth of her care was evident in all she did. We'll miss her greatly.

      The family would like to thank the staff at Sunnyside Home and Parkwood Seniors Community for their caring support.
      Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Monday, May 30, from 6pm - 8pm. The service will be held in the chapel of the funeral home on Tuesday, May 31, at 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow. Interment will take place at First Mennonite Church Cemetery, Kitchener. As per family's request, masks are mandatory. The service will be live-streamed, and the link will be available on Norma's tribute page on www.erbgood.com.

      Condolences for the family and donations to Sunnyside Foundation or Cambridge Stroke Recovery Association may be arranged by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.

      Published by Waterloo Region Record on May 28, 2022.

  • Sources 
    1. [S3231] Find A Grave, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/240092036.

    2. [S74] News - ON, Waterloo, Kitchener - Kitchener-Waterloo Record (1948-1994), Obituary of Daniel R. Erb - 10 Feb 1980.

    3. [S8] News - Gospel Herald, Obituary of Daniel B. Erb - March 22, 1977, pages 253, 254.

    4. [S3108] Vit - ON - Marriage Registration, 020204-24.
      Daniel Erb, 30, occ. Farmer, b. Wellesley, res. Wellesley, son of Daniel Erb & Catharine Reschly married Nancy Albrecht, 27, b. South Easthope Perth Co., res. Wellesley, daughter of John H. Albrecht & Mary Erb, Witn: Allan Gingerich of RR#2 Baden & Christian Albrecht of Wellesley, 7 September 1924 in Wellesley

  • Event Map
    Link to Google MapsResidence - 1980 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsDied - 25 May 2022 - Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsBuried - - First Mennonite Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
     = Link to Google Earth