In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations here .

Norma McCluskie passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and adventure. She was born on September 29, 1933, in Trail, British Columbia, Canada, to Egidio and Linda Soligo, Italian immigrants who built a life in their close-knit community.

From an early age, Norma was full of life—a fearless adventurer and true "tomboy" who embraced the outdoors, whether skating on the ice in Warfield, racing toboggans down steep hills, or picking fruit with her father in Grand Forks. She cherished her family's lush backyard garden and the warm, homemade pies her mother lovingly baked.

In her teenage years, Norma found joy in weekend trips to the local movie theater, where she adored Al Jolson. Her first job at a photography studio led her to an unexpected journey—enlisting in the Canadian Air Force, where she worked in aerial photography and moved to Quebec.

After her time in the Air Force, Norma relocated to Toronto, where she met the love of her life, Ben McCluskie, a handsome Scotsman. They married in September 1955 and soon welcomed their first child, Donna Marie. Seeking better opportunities, the family moved to Chicago, where Norma and Ben raised Patricia, Bernard Jr., Martin, Diane, Sean, and James.

Together, they built a life that took them across continents, running successful businesses—including a bar in Chicago, Bob's Motel in Highland, Indiana, and later, a hotel and bar in Ayr, Scotland. Norma thrived in each venture, using her keen business sense and determination to create success for her family. In Scotland, she developed a lifelong passion for Glasgow Celtic, a love she carried throughout her life.

In 1979, Norma and Ben moved to Pompano Beach, Florida, where they owned and operated a motel before she opened and expanded the British Connection retail store, which became a thriving business. She finally retired in 2006 to care for Ben, and after his passing in 2011, she embraced travel, frequently accompanied by her brother Ronnie with visits to Europe, India, and the Americas, always eager for new experiences.

Norma was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished her large family. She was a woman of immense strength, who faced life's joys and sorrows with unwavering courage. She chronicled her family's journey in her memoir, "Decade of Fear," which was published in 2010; ensuring their story would never be forgotten.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Egidio & Linda Soligo; brother, Leo Soligo; sister, Lilly Bilesky; husband, Bernard McCluskie; and son, Bernard McCluskie Jr.

She is survived by her brother, Ronald Soligo; her children & their spouses: Donna & John Galloway, Patricia & Bobby Smith, Martin McCluskie, Diane & Patrick Eagan, Sean & Kerry McCluskie, and James & Olga McCluskie; grandchildren: Ryan, Shannon & Elysa Galloway, Shane, Kyle, Kailee & Devin Smith, Keith Beggs, Daniel & Heather McCluskie, Shealagh, Liam & Kiera Eagan, Keiran, Pierce & Isla McCluskie, Fiona & Ian McCluskie; and great-grandchildren: Cailin, Max & Leo Beggs, Dominic Hodge, Ryan Galloway Jr., Jackson Sauer, Angelisa, Anabella & Giovanni Penaloza.

Norma will be remembered as a fearless adventurer, a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a fierce supporter of her family. Her indomitable spirit and boundless generosity touched the lives of all who knew her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

Anthony Hopkins once said: "I am fully aware of my mortality, but at 87 years old, I still wake up every morning with the desire to misbehave. Age is not a barrier when you find passion in what you do. The real secret lies in keeping your curiosity alive, continuing to learn, and not letting the fear of time stop you from enjoying life. Every day is a new opportunity to create, to laugh, and to show that it is never too late to move forward with enthusiasm and joy."

Please share your memories of Norma or express condolences to her family through our online guestbook. Norma's online guestbook can be found by scrolling below to the Guestbook box below and clicking on the 'View & Sign' button. You can share your thoughts and memories, upload pictures and/or light a candle.

We will also be live-streaming and recording Norma's Celebration of Life. To view her service virtually scroll below to the Life Celebration box and click on the 'Watch Video' button.