Dr. Norma Harnett, who passed away on July 16, 2014, is remembered with affection by her colleagues on the Saturday Info Guide team. “I remember her smile,” says Golnar Maleki. “She was always so pleasant to talk to.” Tania Steckling echoes Golnar: “She was a very kind and caring woman.”

Dr. Norma Harnett

Norma was also a very accomplished woman, though, being reserved by nature, she never talked about her achievements.

Originally from Jamaica, she obtained her BA and MSc from University of Toronto (in Clinical and Veterinary Microbiology) and a PhD from Guelph University. She then built a successful career as a research scientist in Clinical Bacteriology with the Ministry of Health in Toronto, retiring in 2002. A long-time AGO member, she decided to become a volunteer as well after retirement, and joined our Info Guide Group in 2009.

“She was always very welcoming and helpful with our visitors,” says Tania, adding, “and she had a great appreciation for art. She loved to walk around the Gallery, admiring our collections.”