Noreen Drysdale Obituary

Noreen Margaret Martin Drysdale, born on August 5, 1933, in Desborough, Northamptonshire, England, has left a legacy filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories after her passing on July 22, 2025, in St Charles, Missouri. Noreen was a vibrant soul whose personality lit up the lives of those around her. Her fun spirit and innate ability as a baby whisperer made her a beloved figure among family and friends alike.

Noreen's family was her greatest joy. She was the devoted mother of John Drysdale, Susan (Rick) Shirk, and Carla (Hank) Bowman. As a grandmother, she reveled in the company of her twelve grandchildren: Casey (Kellie) Shirk, Cara (Matt) Singer, Bonnie (JT) Beer, J. Ryan (Cara) Drysdale, Jamie (Evan) Gibson, Megan (Nate) Mecham, Shannon (Mike) Jury, Andrew (Nicki) Drysdale, Kelli (Jeff) White, Noreen Bowman, Laura Bowman, and Joseph Bowman. These grandchildren were not only her pride and joy but also the source of endless happiness and unforgettable memories. Her grandchildren have currently blessed her with 37 great-grandchildren who tenderly refer to her as Nanu; she had a special relationship with each one of them.

Noreen always shared stories of growing up in England--spending hours playing in the fields, being in the air raid shelters during WW II where gas masks were part of her school bag and working in the corset factory. After the war, she met a "Yank" at a picture show, and following a nearly 3-year courtship, she boarded a boat to America; It was 1954; she was only 20 years old and had never been away from home before. She married her Yank, Arden, and was brought into his large family where she built many cherished relationships. Children soon followed. From 1958-1963 the family moved back to England and when they returned to the US they bought a home in Woodson Terrace, Missouri. Noreen lived in the same house for over 50 years.

After many years as a stay-at-home mom, Noreen got a job as a cafeteria worker in the school district her children attended, baking and cooking for children for over 30 years and making many life-long friendships. Her house was always immaculate. The walls and shelves were adorned with figurines, hedgehogs, hummingbirds and many, many pictures of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren. The candy jars were always full and a hit with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her yard had beautiful flowers and hummingbird feeders surrounded her back porch. In 1976, she was baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served for many years as a librarian.

After the death of her husband, her retirement years were spent traveling, often to see family in England, her childhood friend Margaret in Ireland, and traveling the world with her sister-in-law, Clara. Noreen also loved walking in the pool with her friends, playing bingo, tending her flower garden, bullying servers to make sure her Diet Coke did not have ice and that her fries were HOT with no seasoning, and mostly, spending time with family.

Noreen is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arden Drysdale, her parents Ernest and Margaret (Whitney) Martin, her brother Paul Martin, and her son-in-law, Rick Shirk.

As we remember Noreen, we honor a woman who balanced work with love, who always surrounded herself with family and friends, and who enveloped those loved ones in warmth. Her laughter, wisdom, sassiness and strength will be missed deeply but will remain etched in the hearts of those who had the pleasure of calling her mom, Nan, Nanu, and friend. Noreen Margaret Drysdale touched the lives of many, and while her earthly journey has come to a close, her spirit will continue to shine bright through the love she fostered.