Catherine Norma Hobson

Rochester-Catherine Norma Hobson of 16 Crockett St., passed away on Thursday, March 1, 2012 at Gafney Home, enjoying the friendship of fellow residents and welcoming the care of staff members in her newest home. Born March 19, 1920 in Rabbit Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada, the daughter of the late Norman and Wilamina (Thomson) Parkhouse, Norma always cherished her Canadian upbringing and heritage. She lived in Rochester for more than 55 years raising and nurturing her family. She was predeceased by her husband, Arthur, in 1992, after 52 years of marriage. Surviving family members include her four children: Janet (William) Keefe, Jack (Carol) Hobson, Catherine Hamel and Leah Hobson; six grandchildren, Kimberly (William) Swasey, James Keefe, Veronica Hobson (Brian Stephens), Jason Hobson, Laura (Christopher) Altura and Carol Hamel; seven great grandchildren, Brigham, Brooks, Kathryn, Morgan, Lauryn, Ian and Maxwell. From the oldest to the youngest, each family member possessed a special place in "Gram's" heart. Other surviving family members include a brother, Ted and his wife, Inez and a sister, Margaret. Gram's many interests included a love of nature and animals, a passion for gardening and exploring the world. She will forever be remembered for her unconditional, unending love for her family, her subtle softness and her twinkling blue eyes. Gram was devoted to her faith and church community. She was a member of St. John the Theologian Anglican Catholic Church in Somersworth. Later in life she expressed her devotion to her faith upon becoming a member of the Benedictine Order as Sister Joseph. The family expresses sincere gratitude to all the staff and residents of Gafney Home and the Rochester District VNA Hospice for their dedication to Norma. We shall forever be grateful in the knowledge that her final years were spent in comfort with caring friends. Per Norma's request, there will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 11:00 AM in the chapel of the R. M. Edgerly & Son Funeral Home with Father Troy Brackett officiating. Donations in Norma's memory may be made to St. John the Theologian Anglican Catholic Church at PO Box 1773, Dover, N.H. 03821 or to Gafney Home at 90 Wakefield St., Rochester, NH 03867. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 11 AM in the chapel of the R. M. Edgerly & Son Funeral Home, 86 S. Main Street, Rochester, NH 03867. Interment will be in the Trinity Anglican Church Columbarium, 180 Rochester Hill Road, Rochester, NH