Norma Jean is someone who has never lost sight of the bigger picture, from her work against gender violence and inequality to her volunteer efforts to protect threatened Olive Ridley sea turtles in Costa Rica. An esteemed educator and social activist, we know her best at the Nature Trust as an invaluable friend, as she has donated to the organization for over a decade and recently extended her generosity by including a gift in her Will.

Norma Jean credits her reverence for life to her grandmother. Growing up in rural Prince Edward Island, the two often shared special walks on their family farm and through the woods. “She would always stop to say, ‘Look at that sunset!’ ‘Look at that Dahlia!’ or ‘Look at those spring violets!’,” Norma Jean recalls wistfully. “It was through her eyes that I first understood life as sacred and the natural world valuable in and of itself.”

Seeing led to believing, and Norma Jean dedicated herself to making a difference. Of her many accomplishments, she was part of the Breaking the Silence delegation in 2010, supporting Guatemalans struggling for social justice. She helped countless women reclaim their own inherent worth through activism and leadership, for which she received a Governor General’s award in 2016. And her work in palliative care supported the sick and bereaved in finding greater peace and comfort.

“I loved all the work I did,” says Norma Jean fondly, but adds she’s not stopping. She is excitedly writing. And always walking. “Since those early days with my grandmother, I’ve been walking for 62 years, and the further I can get away from what the Inuit call the built environment, the better.”

Norma Jean would like to properly do away with unnecessary objects. A self-proclaimed “alien in a Dollarama,” she discovered her daily walks also littered with evidence of careless consumerism. “Picking up after people really started to frustrate me, but since I didn’t want to be spending my time irritated, I thought, I’m going to reframe this as ‘Respecting and honouring the beauty of the Earth,'” she explains with a grin.

Norma Jean’s optimism shines through, even in the face of overshadowing challenges. She acknowledges the anthropocentric view that underpins many of Western society’s problems, but also sees caring individuals and organizations like the Nova Scotia Nature Trust trying to help. “It leaves me with hope.”

Her recent Legacy Gift to the Nature Trust echoes her faith in the future. “I wanted my estate to benefit something I deeply care about.” After discussing the idea with her family, Norma Jean was pleased to discover they were wholeheartedly supportive. “I’ve been so happy with my decision. I feel this great sense of relief now knowing what will happen and really encourage others to consider doing the same.”

Norma Jean also urges people not to become passive observers but to stay alert. “Sign petitions. Call your MLA. Like the feminist and labour movements, the push for pensions and employment insurance, I believe citizens rising up is critical to creating a better world.”

“If people could experience the world like my grandmother did, the awe and beauty of it all, maybe that would help people take action.” She recalls a favourite quote from author Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, akin to what her grandmother may have spoken with her eyes full of wonder:

‘Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.’

“I think people could fall in love.”

Norma Jean Profitt’s story of social action and generosity is inspiring. If you, too, are interested in adding a gift to your Will in support of the Nature Trust or would like more information about the options available, please request our free Information Planning Package or reach out to Barbara at barbara@nsnt.ca.