Norma Peterson

Loving, loyal, and kind, Norma Jean Peterson lived a life rich in family, faith, and friendship. Whether cheering on her loved one's endeavors, tending to her home, celebrating holidays with family, or making a great meal, Norma embraced every moment as a gift. She relished time spent with those she loved and never hesitated to lead with her heart or give all she could in service of others. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Norma will long be remembered and so very missed.

Despite the obvious gloom of the Great Depression, 1934 gave birth to many celebrated firsts. Flash Gordon made his debut while Fuji Photo Film first captured memories. The Three Stooges took center stage in their first short while the nation also met Donald Duck. The rays of hope peeked through the clouds of despair in America when unemployment decreased to 22%, marking the turning point of the Great Depression. Nowhere was there a greater sense of hope than in the hearts and home of Christian and Marie (Greep) VanEss as they welcomed their daughter Norma Jean on March 2 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Norma grew up on Sibley Street and lived most of her life on the northwest side of Grand Rapids. The middle of three children, she enjoyed the good company of her older sister, Lenore, and younger brother, James. The family attended Seventh Reformed Church.

While attending Union High School, Norma first met her future husband, Conrad Peterson, who was a few years older, through a mutual friend. The pair grew their relationship and continued to stay in touch while he served in the Navy during the Korean Conflict. After graduating high school, Norma worked as an operator for the telephone company.

On January 15, 1954, Norma and Conrad married in a service at Seventh Reformed Church, officially beginning their nearly 55-year marriage. The newlyweds made their first home in an apartment while their new house was being finished on Van Ess Street on the city's west side, where they lived for many years before moving to a different house. In time, Norma and Conrad were blessed to grow their family with three children. Devoting herself to caring for her family, Norma stayed home to tend to the house and children. As Conrad's job frequently took him out of town throughout the week, Norma learned to be quite independent. She was the primary disciplinarian in the family – even for Conrad, and the house was always clean. A great cook, Norma made several recipes that called for amounts of grease and many traditional Dutch dishes, including sugar carrots, noodle dish, hutspot, and Dutch wilted lettuce.

Norma and Conrad enjoyed very active social lives. Conrad had longtime high school friends, and the couples all became longtime friends as well. Once a month, the wives would join their husbands for dinner following the men's happy hour – Norma was most comfortable with these close friends. The wives called their part of the group "Girls Club," rotating houses and talking over a light lunch. Norma also socialized with women in the neighborhood and enjoyed playing tennis with her sister and another group of women.

No matter how busy life became, family was always Norma's first priority. She never missed her kids' school or sporting events, and many weekends were spent visiting her parents at their cottage on Hamlin Lake in Ludington. Later, she and Conrad would buy a home on Bills Lake near Newaygo, where Norma enjoyed fishing and providing many memories for them, their children, and grandchildren. She was very close with her siblings throughout her life; Norma enjoyed gathering with their families on Sundays for a meal, often at Finger's Restaurant, celebrating annual New Year's Parties in Traverse City, and vacationing with them. For years, the family enjoyed a few weeks each winter in Florida on the shores of Anna Marie Island on the coast of Manatee County, Florida. Their children and grandchildren would sometimes visit them there, and it was always wonderful to spend time with them. Once Conrad retired, the couple spent the entire winter on the island, but Norma didn't like flying, so they always drove. Terrific grandparents Norma and Conrad both loved their grandchildren. Norma often ended conversations and signed her cards with "Jesus loves you, and so do I."

Norma loved her dogs and shopping. Her canine companions were always well-fed. From their Basset hounds to their chocolate labs, every dog enjoyed the meals she made for them. When it came to shopping, Norma loved to explore what was available. Though she didn't necessarily buy because she was also very frugal, she loved searching the wares at Kohl's and Bealls, two of her favorite stores.

As Conrad's mind clouded with Alzheimer's, Norma took loving care of him at their home. When she needed additional help, Conrad moved to the Christian Rest Home, where he passed away In December of 2009. With signature grace and strength, Norma confidently faced various health issues for many years, including three bouts with cancer and several strokes. Despite the challenges she endured, Norma continued living independently in her condo for many years before moving to assisted living in the last two years and remained sharp until the end.

An inspiration to all who were blessed to know her, Norma's legacy of faith, hope, and love will long live in the hearts and lives of those she so dearly loved. In each moment we choose to give of our gifts and talents in service of others, cheer on our loved one's dreams and goals, gather for a homecooked meal, go fishing or shopping, or travel with our beloved, we celebrate the countless ways Norma made the world a better place. In this way, we keep her memory alive and inspiring others as she so inspired each of us.

Norma Jean Peterson, age 90, of Grand Rapids, passed away September 16, 2024, in the comforts of her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Conrad; her infant son, Chris; sister and brother-in-law, Lenore & Stewart Kniff. Norma is survived by her children Chris & Kathleen Peterson, Steve & Diane Peterson, Tammi & Jim Wiercinski; grandchildren Jason (Keri) Peterson, Justin Peterson, Taylor Wiercinski, Kendel (fiancé Bryant Coyle) Wiercinski, Jordyn Wiercinski; great-grandchildren Nicole and Rylee Peterson; brother James (Marilyn) VanEss; as well as nieces and nephews.

The service to remember and celebrate Norma's life will be held on Friday, September 20 at 11:30 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW, where friends may visit with her family beginning at 10:30 AM. Interment in Greenwood Cemetery. For those who wish, memorial donations to either Faith Hospice or the Humane Society of West Michigan are appreciated. To read more about Norma, to share a memory or photo, or to sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com.