Norma Jean Swierstra (nee Brown), beloved wife, partner, mother and friend passed away peacefully with family members by her side on Tuesday, April 11, 2017. Norma's two-year battle with congestive heart failure was hard fought but, in the end her inner strength and lively spirit were no longer enough to overcome the illness. Norma was born October 31, 1922 in the town of Conquest, New York. She graduated from Cato Meridian Central School and began her career working for a number of local businesses. She ultimately landed a job at Cornell University where she excelled in her role as secretary for a professor in the Animal Nutrition Department. It was at Cornell where she met Ernest "Ernie" who was studying there for his doctorate. They were married at Cornell in 1962 before coming to Brandon, MB where Ernie started work as a research scientist at the Agriculture Canada Research Station. Norma is survived by her husband Ernie of 54 years, her son Roger (Lisa Krzyzewski), daughter Carole (Quintin Rybuck) and grandchildren Luke and Liam Rybuck. She is also survived by her brother Charles; brother-in-law John Swierstra (Mary Ann) and sisters-in-law Eleanor Brown and Maureen Swierstra. Norma was a member of Eastern Star for over 70 years. She had many hobbies including painting, travelling and crocheting. Norma crocheted and donated dozens of bears for the Nearly New Store. Family was important to Norma and she always looked forward to those times together. A Celebration of Norma's Life took place at Memories Chapel on Friday, April 21, 2017 with Lydia Glawson, Funeral Celebrant, officiating. A reception followed at Memories Chapel. Norma was laid to rest in a private ceremony at the Brandon Cemetery.