Nora Cameron

Nora Maude Cameron

Born in Detroit, Michigan                                                                              June 19th 1927

Left this world for a Higher Calling, Erie, Pennsylvania                       August 1st 2020

Mom created beauty throughout her life, wherever she lived, wherever she traveled. She did so with her smile, kindness, compassion, loving support, and with her artistic hands. She gave way more to this world than she took. And as she has moved on to a higher calling, she has left us with an abundance of fond memories. Her hallmarks were her kind smile, twinkle in her eye, and well-placed kind words.

“A kind remark can brighten anyone’s day” Mom

At the age of three, she impressed a neighbor with a drawing of a bird and solicited the compliment – “Someday, you’ll be an artist.” Boy, what an understatement.

In that “dash” that lies between her birth and death, (1927-2020), she created an untold number of paintings (in oil, acrylic, and water colors), hand painted china, Ukrainian eggs, wreaths & floral displays, hand puppets (member of the Detroit Puppeteers Guild), and many other unique art creations. She was a prominent figure at the First United Methodist Church in Royal Oak, Michigan where she was raised and we all grew up. She provided years of thematic crafts to church suppers and other events.

“God has a Plan for All of Us” Mom

Her education included classes taken at The Detroit School of Fine Art, Wayne State University (water color techniques), and Niagara University (sculpting). She taught art in our basement in Royal Oak, MI, and later at Delta Community College, in Saginaw MI. She taught Ukrainian Egg Painting at the University of Vermont. While living in Saginaw, she even hosted a TV show produced at Saginaw Valley Community College. And she and Dad together became registered clowns while living in Vermont.

“Memories are the Best Gifts” Mom

In 1971 we moved to Niagara Falls, NY where she was employed by the Stubergh Wax Studio, a subsidiary of Ripley International. She painted, sculpted, and clothed over 433 wax figures that are now placed around the world. In fact, she inserted some of her own hair into the scalp of a Viking wax figure that is now residing somewhere in Europe. After moving to Williston, Vermont, she became Curator for Waxlife USA, Lake George, NY. And later, when these wax figures were sold for display at the Alton Towers theme park in Staffordshire, England, she was sent there to design the museum displays, and then receive, repair, and place over 100 figures.

In yet another highlight, she and Dad became close friends with Ron Urban, world famous magician and showman, and joined his “International Ice Shows” production team. Mom helped design and maintain the ice dancer’s costumes while Dad produced promotional videos and manned the utilities. Together, they traveled the Eastern half of the United States and “had a blast!”

“Life is an Adventure” Mom

Mom’s final years were spent here in Erie, Pennsylvania. Her life at Springhill Senior Living was blessed with many fun and caring friends. And we are so grateful for having her be an active part of our life. One special accomplishment of hers was to be the first ninety-year-old to ride the “Soaring Eagle” zipline at Peek‘n Peak Resort, Clymer, NY. She considered it a challenge and one that she would conquer! And like so many other endeavors – She Did It!

Mom was our friend, parent (great and grand), and teacher. She will truly be missed, but adoringly remembered. 

In addition to her parents, George and Maude Fraser Cameron, she is preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Gerald A. Cameron, in 1998; sister, Lorna Wright; brother, George H. Rix; and son, Gerald A. Cameron.

Survivors include her son, Donald B. Cameron (Sue), of Erie, PA; daughter-in-law, Kathy Cameron, of Mancelona, MI; sister, Dorothy Vaughn, of Mount Sterling, KY; grandchildren, Samantha Mathers, of Mancelona, MI, Amy Cameron and Sam Judkins, of Cambridge, MA, Sara Cameron, of Flint , MI, Debra Bonaminio, of Providence, RI, David Mathers (Kelly), of Houston, TX, Brian Cameron, of Houston, TX and Matthew Bonaminio (Allison), of New York City, NY; great-grandchildren, Ryan Penfold, of Detroit, MI, A.J. Penfold, of Houghton Lake, MI, Tabitha Penfold, of Mancelona, MI as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, arrangements will be announced at a later date.  Private interment will be in Oakview Cemetery, Royal Oak, Michigan.

Memorials may be made to Springhill Benevolent Fund, 2323 Edinboro Rd., Erie, PA 16509.

Don Cameron, 08/01/20