February 11, 1943 ~ September 19, 2004
Noreen Ann Noel, born February 11th, 1943, in Waterville, Maine died September 19th, 2004 after a spirited six-year battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband Russ, mother Louise, Sister Alma, Brother Kenny, son Curtis, daughter Aimee, and many loving friends and family.
She attended St. Xavier University in Nova Scotia, then studied psychology and nursing in California, where she became a registered nurse. She worked as a psychiatric nurse for the L.A. County Dept. of Mental Health for over twenty-five years. Noreen was a founding member of ''The Ojai Family'' and the professional group known as ''The Tomcats.'' She was a wonderful lover of children, books and any person in need.
A funeral mass will be held Thursday, September 23rd at 10:00 AM at American Martyrs Catholic Church, 624 15th St., Manhattan Beach.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Noreen's name to the following : The Wellness Community-South Bay Cities, 109 W. Torrance Blvd., Redondo Beach, CA 90277 (310) 376-3550 or Hollygrove Children's residential facility, 800 N. Vine St. Los Angeles, CA 90038, Attn: Development Dept.
Whenever I hear something really funny, I remember Noreen’s infectious laugh and I think of those teasing green eyes of hers. She was a person who had so much goodness that she made every moment I spent with her special.
Russell, Curtis, and Aimee: Thinking of all of you and your dear Noreen. I wanted to share some memories that have come to me once again. To Noreen, a potluck was always a “pitch in”! On a walk after a rain at our mountain cabin, Noreen said “Ummm, it smells like Maine.” Kids, do you remember when we went to the Sportsman, a local Lake Arrowhead restaurant and bar, at 10:30 AM to watch a Truth or Consequences episode Marce and I were on. Aimee, you went around to all the tables and ate all the sugar in the packets. All of a sudden Cari Kunath had an incredible nose bleed! Blood was everywhere! All the folks sitting at the bar so early in the morning looked at us like we were weirdos. Oh how much we all miss our special Noreen! Love to you all, Linda xo
She had a marvelous and inspiring sense for responding to people in the perfect way. Being around her was soothing to the soul.
Always smiling Noreen and a good friend to all.. Our love to Russ and Curtis and Aimee. We will be thinking of you all Thursday at Mass and celebrate the wonderful woman\’s LIFE. Godd Bless…JoAnn and Dick
I am truly sorry for your lost. I work as a psychologist with the Redondo Beach School District. Several years ago I had the opportunity to work closely with Noreen in our joint effort to find appropriate services for children with emotional problems. From the first time I ever met Noreen I was astounded with her empathy in dealing with the children and their families. She was amazing in her clinical insights. I always thought she would make a fantasic radio therapist but she said she had trouble talking in public. Yet those who knew her understood just how humble she was. I recall several years ago Noreen and I were at a symposium put on by the Los Angeles County Mental Health, Dept of Children\’s Services for the school districts. Noreen and I were in the back of the room standing up watching the event and listening to the LACMH speakers. Every now and then Noreen would look at me with a side glance whenever she was bothered by or disagreed with something said by the speaker. I suggested to her that she might like to get up on the stage, as another LACMH mental health clinician, and clarify information or even correct some mis-statements. Noreen looked at me and said she would never speak in public BUT she continued to be bothered by incorrect information being presented by various speakers. I kept egging her to get up and offer her insights. She finally, with a great deal of encouragement, got up the nerve to walk up to the stage and join the other speakers. They offered her the podium for a few comments. Unrehersed, Noreen was a superior speaker who was able to synthesize information, make it understandable to everyone in the audience, and do so with an obvious concern for the well-being of the children–that was Noreen–ever the humble professional. Afterwere, Noreen told me she had been very nervous. No one, including me, would ever have known it. What a great lady!!!!!God has a special place for her in heaven.
“Well done my good and faithful servant” said the Lord as he accepted my Aunt Noreen into his kingdom. Words can\’t express how she affected all of our lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and with Uncle Russ, Curtis and Aimee. We love you! Kirk,Cathy,Clayton,Gavin and Reese
She was my best friend,and my Sister. I will always remember the times we shared togther at camp and everywear else.You will be missed,My friend.You are in heaven now,And not in any pain.You will always be in my heart.I love you.Until we meet again.Sis
The Denis Family and the Meader family sends there Love to you.. We will miss you Aunt Reenie!!!
Words can\’t express our profound sorrow with the passing of Noreen. She was loved and respected by all those fortunate enough to know her. She was a great woman and will be long remembered in the hearts of many. She put up a great fight Russ! Our prayers are with you, Cutis and Amiee. Love you guys, Doug and Alma
This is for Kenny Noel. I sent a message a few minutes ago but aol knocked me off so I am repeating. I am sorry for the loss of your sister. Jim Cole sent me a message he read in the Daily Breeze. Please contact me, EGlover224@aol.com. Ed
Will always remember the short time we had together this summer.
The spirit of Noreen will live on in my heart as one of kindest and most gracious women I have ever known. I am a better person for having known Noreen!