Loving sister to Margaret (Les) Simpson and to her brother Ian (Beverley) MacPhail. Norene began her career at Dofasco in 1956 and proudly retired in 1989. She was recognized by the Province of Ontario for an outstanding 40 years of volunteer service with the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG).
She also earned multiple Certificates of Excellence from the Canada Revenue Agency for her long-standing commitment to the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, which she devoted herself to for over 16 years. Burial has taken place.