NORMA EVELYN McLAREN of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Tom McLaren, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 27, 2010, at the age of 85 years.

Mom was born May 19, 1925 to George and Eva Barnett, and raised in Kennedy, Saskatchewan. After graduating from high school, she attended business college in Regina, Saskatchewan. She followed her parents to Lethbridge, where she worked as a secretary for The Southern Alberta Co-Op. Shortly after, Mom met her future husband, Tom Adams, and they were married on August 19, 1950. Together they raised 3 children. After several years of staying home with their children, she went back to work as a secretary for George Popma at National Life Insurance Company, where she remained until her retirement in 1981.

Her first husband, Tom Adams, passed away in November 1973. On December 12, 1981, Mom married her long-time neighbor and friend, Tom McLaren. Tom passed away in October 2006.

Mom had a great passion for music, and she fondly remembers playing the piano in a band with her 2 brothers. They enjoyed playing at several dances in Kenosee Lake, Saskatchewan. Mom also loved animals, camping and RV-ing, and simply being with her family and friends. She was a very loving, gentle soul who in turn was loved by all, and will be deeply missed.

Mom is survived by her son Gary Adams (Deb Cole); Jolene (Ken) Dunsdon; Cheryl (David) Rohovie; step-son Rob (Wendy) McLaren; James (Paulette) McLaren; grandchildren Pam, Jamie, Stephanie, Robyn, Christine, Michael; step-grandchildren Angela, Joelle, Cheris, Lindsay, Terrance; great-grandson Nova; step-great-grandchildren Kalei and Garrick; very special friends Bob and Phyllis Alexander, and Marie Maclean; and by her beloved dog, Callie.

Mom was predeceased by her first husband, Tom Adams; her second husband Tom McLaren; her parents, George and Eva Barnett; brothers Ken and Bert Barnett; and step-daughter Bonnie Bechtel.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 10:00 am and 11:00 am, prior to the service. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am, on Friday, December 31, 2010 at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Major Glen Habkirk, officiating. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lethbridge Humane Society, P.O. Box 783, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 3Z6.