Edina, MN - Norma Kathryn Chipperfield Ramsay, MD, a highly respected physician, pediatric oncology pioneer, and loving wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2026, after a prolonged struggle with Alzheimer's Disease. She was 81 years old. Norma was born on November 17, 1944 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, to Eric and Eileen Chipperfield. Following WW2 the family settled in Minnedosa, Manitoba where Norma's academic ability became evident. Norma progressed to the Medical College, University of Manitoba, graduating with honors in 1968. Following graduation she married Robert C. Ramsay, a medical school classmate, and began a 12 month rotating internship at the Winnipeg General Hospital. Relocating to the University of Minnesota in 1969, Norma completed residency training in the Department of Pediatrics. Here she was exposed to outstanding faculty in hematology-oncology which captured her intellect. Norma started Pediatric oncology fellowship training, one year at Emory University, Atlanta, and continuing at the UMN. After completion of Fellowship Norma joined the academic faculty and remained in the Department of Pediatrics for her entire career, progressing to Professor. She loved helping children with cancer with a large team of outstanding physicians, researchers and nurses. What followed was a career of genuine distinction. Norma became a pioneer in bone marrow transplantation for pediatric malignancies and metabolic diseases when the field was just beginning. The UMN transplant program became an international leader and the research led to significant improvements in cure rates. Norma's awards include the Gold Headed Cane Award from UMN Department of Pediatrics, Dream Maker Award from CCRF, Relentless For A Cure Award from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and a Distinguished Alumni Award for Professional Achievement from the University of Manitoba. In her honor, Norma has the endowed Dr Norma Ramsay Pediatric BMT & Cellular Therapy Conference at the UMN and the Dr Norma Chipperfield Ramsay Endowment Fund supporting an annual lectureship in BMT at the University of Manitoba. Norma was a mentor to many outstanding trainees who went on to their own distinguished careers. Norma was noted for her empathy as well as her academic and leadership ability, an inspiration to a generation of physicians, and especially to young women entering medicine when the path was not always welcoming. Many carry her example forward. Outside the hospital, Norma brought a similar seriousness of heart to the greater world. She was a strong believer in justice, inclusion, and ethics, and as such was loyal supporter of the Westminster Town Hall Forum. She loved to travel, to Lake Vermillion, MN, the US, Canada, Europe, and especially to the island of Maui, Hawaii. Norma is survived by her husband of 58 years, Robert C Ramsay; son Robert Eric Ramsay and wife Lauren M. Edwards, MD; son David Barrett Ramsay; and grandchildren Patricia Norma and Robert Alan, in whom her legacy will live on. Norma Ramsay healed children, she opened doors and treated everyone with the dignity that was their due. She leaves the world better off for her presence in it. A memorial celebratory service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, June 6 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis (underground parking via Alice Rainville Place). Service available by livestream on Westminster website (www.westminstermpls.org). Memorials to the UMN Dr Norma Ramsay Pediatric BMT and Cellular Therapy Fund (https://makingagift.umn.edu/give/fund.html?id=26174), The Norma & Robert Fund, UManitoba (https://give.umanitoba.ca), Friends of the Boundary Waters, or donor choice.