Item 01 03 - Norma Marion Alloway Painted Plaque.

Item is a watercolour with pen and ink sign that gives a brief biography honouring TWU Library's namesake, Norma Marion Alloway. The sign is drawn using the artistic effect of trompe-l'oeil to give it an optic illusion to appear as a third dimensional object such as a plaque. The sign was displayed in the entrance of the library.

The sign features the face of Norma Marion Alloway on the lower right and a shell on the upper left corner. The sign reads:

"This library is named in honour of Norma Marion Alloway an outstanding Canadian author, poet and Christian.

Raised in humble circumstances as an only child, she developed early in life two overriding passions. One was a passion for learning which became the hallmark of her many interests and pursuits. The; other was a passion for communicating her Christian faith.

Upon graduation from the University of Toronto in 1944 she embarked on a lifelong pursuit of mentors from various disciplines. Their deep personal friendships enriched her life and reinforces her commitment to communicate the gospel clearly to the world.

As a Christian mother she modelled her faith for five children, ushering them gently into God’s kingdom.

As a Christian writer her career spanned four decades, producing articles and columns for magazines, periodicals and newspapers. Libraries and bookstores become touchstones in her pursuit of learning as focal pints for influencing the lives and thinking of future generations.

As a speaker she travelled the world using her collection of sea shells to illustrate spiritual truths. In God’s providence they became instruments of learning for men and women in all walks of life.

To the world she displayed in everything she did a profound joy whose source remained a mystery to many. Unashamed to speak clearly for her Lord, she seized every opportunity to channel God’s love. She took particular delight in reminding politicians and diplomats of their responsibility to preserve the spiritual principles on which their nations had been founded.

But to her friends, Norma asked only to be remembered in two simple word that characterized her vision, ambition, and passion--a Servant.

It is these words that are carved in granite on a simple headstone in a Toronto Cemetery and engraved on the hearts of her friends and her family."