Norma was born in Calgary, Alberta on October 28, 1909. She was the only child of Alma Hanson, a Swedish immigrant, and Frank Chiddy, an English baker by trade who worked for the C.P.R. Norma's parents had previously lived in Wetaskiwin and they returned with Norma in 1911 where her father continued his work as an engineer for the C.P.R.

Norma attended Alexandra School in Wetaskiwin where she excelled in scholastics and athletics. She developed a lifetime interest in sports, participating in basketball, badminton, hockey, curling and golf. It was in track and field, however, that Norma truly triumphed. She garnered a number of first, second, and third place ribbons in Wetaskiwin School sports (1920 to 1922) and although her school days of sports and academics would end on graduation from Alexandra School, her interest and abilities in track events continued to blossom.

She displayed her track and field prowess provincially in Medicine Hat, Banff, Red Deer and Wetaskiwin. Many newspaper articles show Norma equalling or breaking provincial records in the fifty yard sprint, the two hundred twenty yard sprint, the broad jump and the running high jump. Some of these performances were close to eclipsing Canadian records.

In 1929, Norma received a silver goblet from the Canadian Olympic Association recognizing her as the Dominion's track and field aggregate champion and also earned a spot on the Canadian Team for the British Empire Games to be held in Vancouver in 1930. Unfortunately, an injury prevented her from competing in those games. She recovered from that injury to reign as the Provincial Track and Field Champion from 1931 to 1933. After her competitive track and field career ended, Norma continued her avid interest in sports throughout the rest of her life with golfing and curling becoming her main pursuits.

From 1928 to 1939, Norma worked at the Imperial Bank of Commerce in Wetaskiwin. On June 25, 1939 she married John Andrew MacEachern, the youngest son of Duncan and Jennie MacEachern. Norma and John moved into the family house (now a tea house) on 50th Street. John would continue to operate the MacEachern Milling Company (a family business started in 1899) until 1957. Over the years, Norma would support John's various business ventures (miller, gentleman farmer and investment broker), but it was her family who became her main interest and joy.

Norma and John would raise four children: Allan Ross, Patricia Ann, Norman Roger and John Stanley. Ross and Stan continue to live in Wetaskiwin while Pat and Roger live in Edmonton. Throughout her lifetime, Norma was a strong supporter of family and family values. This would always be evident in her role as wife, mother, grandmother and friend.

Norma also developed cooking, baking and gardening talents which she shared with her children and grandchildren, especially the ceremony of afternoon tea. She continued her interest in the Immanuel Church where she had been confirmed and had also been a Sunday School teacher. Norma was a member of the evening group of the Dorcas Grey Women's Auxiliary. In addition, she worked with a catering group at the First United Church where husband John and the children were members.

Besides the church, Norma would serve her community as a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was initiated into the organization in 1931, was Worthy Matron in 1939 and Grand Representative to Oklahoma in 1949. Norma would also canvass for various charities annually.

Norma was an original chauffeuring mom, driving her children and their friends to various sporting, church, school, scouting and guiding activities. She also delivered papers when her sons were too busy to do their routes and squired their mother and her mother's friends about. In addition, she loved bridge and played for over fifty years with the same group. She was also an avid reader and crossword puzzle fan.

Knitting was also a productive pastime which produced sweaters, toques, mitts and other outfits for family members and friends. Norma and her husband would also travel extensively in Canada, the United States and Europe but it was the family cottage at Pigeon Lake which was Norma's favourite spot.

Norma continued to reside in Wetaskiwin until 1993 when she moved to Edmonton. She passed away in Edmonton on March 28, 1995.

Information compiled in 1999.

Should you have feedback regarding any of these articles please contact the Museum using the information further below.
Great care is taken by the museum staff to ensure accuracy of the information posted. However it is understood that there may be other people with additional information that can add to what we have or correct any inaccuracies.
Please feel free to do so.