Norma brought joy to many

NORMA Ditcham was a deep well of love and care that many people dipped into.

That well never ran dry.

The beloved and valued member of the Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff communities passed away peacefully on March 10 in her room of treasured memories at Point Lonsdale’s Arcare.

Norma, who was born in Geelong on August 7, 1926, married Ken Ditcham, who was a soldier.

It was with his help, and sometimes in spite of it, that she raised their three sons – Terry, Gary and Wayne.

As with everything else in her life, Norma rose to the task.

When Wayne got into deep water off the bite beach in Point Lonsdale, she did not hesitate to pull him to safety, clothes and all.

When Gary brought home a tiny baby bird – allegedly having “fallen out” of a nest – it was Norma who became its adoptive mother.

After Ken developed dementia, Norma was his number one carer.

She lived through the hard times of Australia, but World War II and the Depression were not enough to make her fold.

Norma loved to laugh, and this laughter was infectious.

At Christmas time in Point Lonsdale, Norma was invited to light the Christmas tree on the corners of Point Lonsdale and Grimes Roads.

Across the road from the Point Lonsdale Primary School, where markets were held every month, she would sell her beautiful artwork.

Norma was a founding member of the Point Lonsdale Primary School Easter Fair.

This was part of her life’s mission: to bring joy to others, quietly, resolutely, never asking for thanks, she was a deep well of love and care which so many people dipped into, but which never ran dry.