A Thornhill mother in her 70s was recently honoured by the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society of Canada for almost four decades of service, which took her from caring for her ill husband to meeting with cabinet ministers.

Norine Thomason of Kirk Drive has been awarded the MS society’s National Opal Award for Caregivers, as well as another provincial award, for her contributions. She helped found the society’s York South chapter, and she currently works as one of its MS ambassadors.

Her service to the community began when she was 27, in 1969, when Thomason’s husband, Bill, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Ever since, she balanced being a caregiver for Bill, a breadwinner for her family, a mother to her children and a trusted supporter to others affected by the degenerative spinal disease.

Despite the challenges she faced, as her son, Kevin, puts it, her hard work paid off. Her efforts allowed her family to live a “great life” and even travel. Her cheerful demeanor meant that everyone, even Bill, remained resilient and positive.

“You can talk about her being a supermom — or super lady — because I don’t know how you can go through such challenges and yet still have such a positive outlook,” he said. “I think that’s what the recognition is all about.”

Her work did not stop at a family level, however, as Thomason also founded a local caregiver’s support group and got involved with MS Society’s fundraisers. Now a respected advocate in her field, it is not uncommon for her to meet with cabinet minsters at Queen’s Park, said Kevin.

Thomason, recently nominated for an international caregiver’s award, will take part in the MS Carnation Campaign this Mother’s Day weekend.