Norma had a deep and enduring love for gardens—a place where her warmth, creativity, and spirit truly came to life. Born in Columbus, Ohio in 1950, Norma carried her appreciation for nature with her wherever she went, but it was in her own garden that she felt most at peace.

She especially cherished time spent beneath her beloved oak tree, where she created a quiet sanctuary filled with birdsong and the playful presence of squirrels she lovingly fed—especially her favorites, Little One and Stubs. For Norma, the garden was more than a space; it was a place of reflection, connection, and joy.

Her love of gardening reflected who she was at her core: nurturing, attentive, and full of life. Whether tending to plants, enjoying the rhythm of nature, or simply sitting in stillness, Norma brought the same care and presence to her garden as she did to the people around her.

Even through a long and courageous battle with breast cancer, Norma’s connection to her garden remained a source of strength and peace. It stood as a living expression of her resilience, her love of beauty, and her ability to find joy in simple, meaningful moments.

Today, her memory continues to bloom in the spaces she loved—especially in the garden, where her spirit still feels present under the shade of the oak tree.