Norma Jean (Mallory) Eldridge
March 05, 2011
Norma Jean Eldridge, 86, passed from her long and eventful life at Bright Kavanagh House on Saturday, March 5, 2011, following a short-lived residence at the Carlisle Care Center.
Norma was born and raised on the family farm near Attica, Iowa, to Everett Pearl and Olive Alice (Spaur) Mallory. She was a graduate of Attica High School where she lettered in basketball and participated in school plays.
While most of her life was devoted to the care and nurturing of her husband, children, her parents, her grandchildren and the children of extended family, she spread her wings upon retirement and discovered a love of travel, enjoying the diversity of many countries and cultures.
Norma was in retail accounting for a number of years (Taylor’s, Miller Whol) and retired from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa. She was a devoted member of the Eastside Church of the Nazarene, where she lent her voice to the choir and deeply enjoyed the companionship of her church family and friends.
Throughout her long life she made abundant use of her artistic talents creating a variety of needlework, painting, and tailoring projects, making many of her own beautiful clothes. She enjoyed doing a variety of puzzles and spent many hours working jigsaw puzzles with her adoring great grandchildren.
Those left to cherish her memory include: her sister Loretta (David) Meissner of Ann Arbor, Michigan; three daughters Linda Ladd, Carolyn Danielson, and Donna (Dodd) Postma, Des Moines, Iowa; son James (Janet) Maddy, Macomb, Michigan; step-daughters Joni (Wendell) Kaldenberg and Janet Kappelman; step-sons Robert (Michelle) Eldridge and Jack (Shelena) Eldridge; six grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and loving friends.
Preceding her in death were her parents, husband John “Jack” Eldridge, brothers Dale (Norene) and Donald (Regina) Mallory, grandsons Craig Fyfe and Chad Kappelman, and great-granddaughter Regan Maddy.
Visitation will be held 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 8, 2011, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street. A service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 9, 2011, at the Eastside Church of the Nazarene, 1451 E. 25 Street. Interment will follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude for the loving care and gentle concern shown to Norma by the staff at New Horizons Adult Day Center, Carlisle Care Center, where she was affectionately called Norma Jean the Beauty Queen and Bright Kavanagh House.
Memorial contributions may be made to New Horizons Adult Day Center in Ankeny, Iowa, or Hospice of Central Iowa.
Online condolences may be made at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Myrna Madsen
03/08/2011
Girls and Jim -I am so sorry to hear of your Mothers' death. It will be an adjustment for all of you. Norma had so many family members surrounding her. What precious memories you will have of her life. God Bless you all.
Myrna Madsen
June Slagter
03/08/2011
Hi Linda, Carolyn and Donna I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother, Norma. I remember her well. She was a sweet lady and I am sure you will miss her. You have my sympathy. Love to you all, June Slagter (Vicki's mom)
Lois Clark
03/08/2011
Donna--so very sad to hear about your Mother. She was a very special lady and I remember her well during her tenure at WBCBS. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. You are in my prayers.
Terry Nicholas
03/08/2011
Jim:
I am so sorry to hear about your mother's passing. She certainly appears to have been a very facinating person which I'm sure makes her loss hard for you. You and your family have my deepest condolences.
Sincerely,
Terry Nicholas
Stacie Didier
03/07/2011
My heart is very heavy for all the family and friends of Norma. I had the honor of knowing her and she is an amazing woman! I hope your grieving finds many daily hugs from your newest guardian angel. In celebration of Norma's life, one of my fondest memories of her was her impressive internal youth she displayed often. Like the time she chopped down a tree in her yard and bundled it all by herself at the young age of 76. May her youthfulness and love become a part of us all. With my sincerest empathy and genuine love, Stacie Didier.
Kelley
03/07/2011
To Norma Jean's family...loss of a loved one is never easy.
May your heart feel comfort each time a bird sings.
May you feel her presence in each flower that blooms.
May the shining of the stars be a reflection of the brightness she brought into your lives.
May the special memories you hold - keep you warm and safe.
May the love you shared... give you strength at this time of greif.
And know, that your garden sisters are with you in spirit...every step of the way.
Minnie Mallard
03/07/2011
Carolyn,
You and your family have my deepest condolences. In a few days on the
10th will mark the one year anniversary of my loosing my Mother.
Be Blessed,
Minnie
Doug and Val Daugherty
03/07/2011
Jim and Jan,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother.
Our condolences to you both and the rest of your family.
Doug and Val
Mike Bohacik
03/07/2011
Dear Jim, my deepest condolences to you and the family. Conclusions are difficult at best when the outcome has to do with a life, it seems she had a pretty active and rewarding life, with a bunch of positives and good along the way. God bless her, your family and you my friend.
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Teri Prather
03/07/2011
Donna and Dodd,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in this time of sorrow, and strength for tomorrow. See you soon my friend.
Melissa Clifford
03/07/2011
The Maddy Family,
I'm very sorry for your loss. She sounds like a very neat lady and I would have liked to have met her.
Virginia Semple
03/07/2011
My thoughts are with you during this time. May you get peace
reviewing the wonderful life your mother lived.
John, Jill, and Hannah Meissner
03/07/2011
We are so sorry to hear about Aunt Norma. She was really a wonderful person, and I have so many neat memories of her and Uncle Jack from family vacation visits to Iowa. We wish we could be there to celebrate her life with eveyone. God bless, John, Jill, and Hannah Meissner.
Marvel Maddy
03/07/2011
Dear Farmily:
During difficult times we realize how much our family means to us.
The comfort of family always gives us strength.
May God be with you today and always.
Alice & Jim Schneider
03/06/2011
Our sympathy to Loretta and Dave and Norma's family in their loss.
We were blessed to get to know some of you as well as Norma in travels
in years past.
May the Lord surround you with His love during this difficult time.
Love in Christ,
Jim & Alice