Obituary of Norma Jane Hiscock

On February 27, 2021 Mrs. Norma Jane (McFarlane) Hiscock passed peacefully in her home at the age of 84. Wife of Dr. Robert James (Jim) Hiscock, Norma was an educator, interior designer, and entrepreneur. She was a passionate lover of art, music, and theater. An enthusiastic gardener, Norma loved her home in St. Marys, which she and Jim restored and lived in for more than 50 years. The historic architecture and natural beauty of St. Marys was a source of deep pride and joy for Norma; she proudly sang the town’s praises throughout her life.Devoted daughter of Eleanor and Ernest McFarlane, Norma grew up in Guelph, Ontario where she enjoyed the pleasures of small city life along with her sister Ruth (McFarlane) Philip. Norma spoke lovingly of her mother Eleanor, a proud working mother who financially supported her family after the untimely early passing of Eleanor’s husband, as well as Norma’s maternal grandmother, Sarah Jane, who helped to raise Norma and Ruth.Norma attended Western University (UWO), where she studied education and met Jim on a blind date. After Jim completed his medical education and training, he and Norma lived in St. Marys where they raised four children. With a stiff upper lip and a firm grip, Norma’s children rarely tested her patience and each grew up to love and respect Norma for her incredible devotion to their success. Undeterred by age, Norma set out in her mid-life to start yet another career and began to study for a fine arts degree at UWO and then pursued her next passion – interior decorating. She started her own business, a going concern for 20 years until her retirement.Predeceased by her husband, Jim, Norma is survived by her children Susan, John (Michelle), Robert (Annie), and Jane (Marijean) and sister Ruth (Bob) Philip as well as many relatives and friends who loved her greatly. Norma was cared for until her final days by her daughter Susan whose devotion to her mother was steadfast.Given the restrictions of COVID-19, the family will not be having a funeral ceremony, and asks that you plump up a favourite pillow or straighten a painting in her honour. Norma liked a good interior decorating edit.In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to Stratford Summer Music.