The death occurred peacefully on January 7, 2026, at Pioneer Manor, Sudbury, Ontario, surrounded by her family. She was born on September 4, 1923, in Miminegash, Prince Edward Island, to John and Etta Costain. Norma was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Ivan MacInnis, and her siblings, Beulah Ellsworth (Vincent), Gordon Costain (Pearl), Marne Costain (Laura), and Holland Costain (Adele).
She is lovingly remembered by her children, Susan Ballance (Keith), Sharon Ross (John), Ian MacInnis (Donna), and Lynn Pugliese (Vince). She was a proud grandmother to Jenny Ballance, Ian Ross, Brian Ross, Meghan Schnieder, Courtney MacInnis, Andrew Pugliese, and Sean Pugliese, and a cherished great-grandmother to Amelia, Elijah, Everly, Cora, Rowan, Ella, Scarlett, Lucas, Sophia, Alice, Hazel, August, and Faye.
As a teenager, Norma left Prince Edward Island to work in Montreal as a governess, beginning a lifetime devoted to caring for children. She married her childhood friend, Ivan MacInnis, and together they built their family in Montreal. After a brief return to PEI, they settled in Sudbury, where Ian worked for the CNR, and where they remained for the rest of their lives.
Norma's life centered on family. She did everything she could to make those around her happy, and opened her home to many children over the years. Babies, especially, were her joy; she often said there was nothing like the smell of a new baby.
She is now reunited with her beloved husband, Ivan, along with her siblings and friends who went before her. The family extends sincere gratitude to the staff at Pioneer Manor for their care and compassion.
Resting at the Rooney Funeral Home and Chapel, Alberton. Funeral on Tuesday June, 23,2026 from the E.Gerald Rooney Memorial Chapel for funeral service at 3:00 p.m Rev.Erasmus Madimbo officiating.Interment to follow in the Miminegash United Church Cemetery.Visitation from 1:00 p.m. until time of funeral at 3:00 pm
As an expression of sympathy, memorials to the Miminegash United Church Cemetery Fund will be gratefully appreciated.