Obituary of Nora Patricia Cross

Nora Patricia Cross (Keegan) was born February 26, 1923 in Dublin, Ireland. She was one of the four children born to John (Jack) Keegan and Elizabeth Keegan (Hatton). Nora passed away on April 2, 2025 at the age of 102. Mourning Nora’s passing are her children - Reg from Calgary, AB, Ivan and his wife Debbie from Lac Vert, Sk., Patricia and her husband Barry from Saskatoon, SK and Brian from Rosthern, SK. Nora also leaves to mourn five grandchildren - Hilary (Paul) from Calgary AB, Meaghan from Grenfell, SK, Carmen (Alex) from Okotoks, AB, Elise from Calgary, AB, and Dwight (Mackenzie)) from Naicam, SK, along with four great grandchildren Henry, Briar, Millie, Ireland and many nieces and nephews in Canada and abroad. Nora was predeceased by her loving husband, Donald Cross, who passed away in 1982, by her twin brother John Keegan and by siblings Edward Keegan and Betty Rimmer.
Mom grew up in Clontarf, a suburb of Dublin. She often shared stories of a carefree childhood, where she spent her days playing with friends and siblings in the garden, taking family trips into the Irish countryside, and spending afternoons on the Howth coastline. Mom worked at various jobs as a young woman, most notably the Irish Sweepstakes. Among Mom’s duties there was guiding groups of tourists through the facility. During a tour she caught the eye of a handsome Saskatchewan farmer, who asked her on a date. A whirlwind romance ensued and after a small wedding ceremony April 30, 1958, the happy couple boarded a luxury ocean liner and set sail for Canada. Nora would often share stories about her memorable voyage across the Atlantic, and the anticipation about beginning a new life in Canada.
After arriving in Montreal, Mom and Dad boarded a train that would carry them half way across the country to Regina, Saskatchewan. From there, the young couple hopped into a pickup truck and drove 230 kilometers north on a rudimentary highway to Lac Vert, SK. Beyond that it was a two kilometer journey down a muddy and often impassible dirt road to Mom’s new home– a modest wood framed structure with no power and no running water. Mom must have wondered what she had gotten herself into but in true character, she embraced her challenges without a complaint, and eagerly set to work building her new life. Over the next few years, Dad and Mom were graced with four children Reg was born in 1959, Ivan in 1960, Patricia in 1962 and Brian in 1964. A young mother, now half a world away from her friends and siblings in Ireland, Nora recalled marveling at the vast open spaces in rural Saskatchewan and at the solitude of living miles away from the nearest shops, amenities and neighbours.
In 1982, Nora mourned the passing of her loving husband Donald and began a new chapter in her life. At the age of 59 she retired from the family farm and took up residence in a little yellow house in Naicam. She lived there happily and independently for the next 40 years until age 99.
She quickly made new friends and maintained connections at St. George’s Parish, the Royal Canadian Legion, the Naicam walkers group, and the Naicam Seniors. She held a special place in her heart for people that were less fortunate than her including her little “creatures” ie dogs, cats, birds and squirrels, who needed a meal, a warm place to sleep or a caring place to call home.
Without a doubt, Mom’s primary purpose in life was maintaining her faith and ensuring her family’s happiness and comfort. She cherished the times when she was surrounded by family and she always looked forward to sharing meals and laughter with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Holidays spent with Mom will always be remembered fondly for the laughter, the fun, the games and the love that she shared. Even in her nineties, Mom was often the life of the party, demonstrating her Irish dancing skills to the young ones and staying up late at night to play one more game of charades. Her famous Christmas puddings (The Puds) were legendary. All who had the privilege of tasting them will attest to that.
With failing eye sight, Mom left her home in Naicam in her 100th year and moved to the Mennonite Care Home in Rosthern, SK. Mom always maintained a positive outlook and graciously accepted her fate.
Mom; your memories will live fondly in our hearts and minds. We thank you for all of the love and understated wisdom that you shared with us over the years. You were a woman unlike any other. May your precious soul rest in peace.

Our family would like to extend an invitation to all to attend a Memorial Luncheon in memory of our Mother Nora to be held on Satruday April 12, 2025 at 12 noon at St. George Roman Catholic Church.  We would like to share a time of refreshments and fellowship with you.

Memorial contributions in memory of Nora may be directed to the Naicam Senior's Centre.