Norma Genevieve Carson, 79, entered the kingdom of heaven on January 25th, 2024. She was born on November 14, 1944. Norma is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years, Russell Francis Carson, and a large and thriving family whose hearts grieve her absence deeply but who will always remember her with enormous love and admiration. Norma and Russell were married at St. Paul’s church in Valparaiso, Indiana on December 27th, 1965. With Russell, Norma had fourteen beautiful children. She was also the grandmother of fifteen and great-grandmother of three.
Norma loved absolutely everyone, including strangers. It was not uncommon for a new acquaintance or neighbor to find themselves spilling their heart to Norma because her empathetic, generous and open-minded nature made people feel so comfortable. “Judge not, lest ye be judged,” was one of her often quoted wisdoms, as well as “Forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Norma was a devout Catholic who genuinely lived a Christ-like life. She did not complain about adversity, though she certainly had her share, but instead approached life with humor and tolerance, finding strength in suffering and seeking out the joy in the most ordinary moments of life.
Raising her many children in rural Indiana, she loved to walk along the country roads and appreciate the trees, flowers and birds. When she and Russell settled in the town of LaPorte, they enjoyed their regular walks to the library and to St. Joseph’s church on Sundays. Norma had a beautiful voice and loved to sing during Mass on Sundays, as well as to occasionally treat her family to sweet renditions of Moon River. She loved to laugh and would find any reason to do so, finding delight in the absurd and in the antics of her grandchildren.
Through many struggles and hardships, Norma remained strong in her faith and in her love for her husband and children. She nurtured her children while at the same time teaching them to find their own strength and to care for one another with compassion. She instilled the values of kindness and empathy in all of her children and grandchildren, and she loved to laugh and play. Norma sang and danced energetically well into her seventies and was always happiest when she was holding a baby or chasing a toddler.
Norma’s imprint on the lives of those around her cannot be overstated. She embodied the values she believed in and brought true magic into our lives. Even in her last months, Norma constantly gave us gifts with her bright smiles and the delighted sparkle in her eyes. We will miss her so much.
Norma will be dearly remembered by her devoted husband Russell, who cared for her so well; her children Mark, Erik (Karrie), Frieda, Kirk (Lysa), Karl, Ingrid (Jeremy), Greta (Wes), Rolf, Rex (Maria), Ryan (Kristie), Olivia, Amanda, Jeremiah (Leah), and Adrian (Victoria); grandchildren Jeremy (Sarah), Drew, Chandler, Catarina (John), Morgan, Samuel, Sydney, Ava, Max, Juniper, Kaylee, Corbin, Lennon, Vada and Avery; great-grandchildren Ellie Grace, Nora Ann and Henry James; her sisters Nancy (Ray) Price and Gail (John) Fegaras, brother Kirby (Connie) Stannard, and many other relatives. Norma is preceded in death by her mother Laura Bonahoom, sister Margaret Bonahoom, and brother Fred Bonahoom.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Norma’s compassionate caregivers, especially Prisilla, Patricia, Terry, Chaplain Melissa and the staff at Dunes Hospice, Chrystal, Vanessa, Yinet and the Home Instead of LaPorte staff, the Willows staff, and dear family friends Trina Smith and Helen Smith. These wonderful caregivers helped to ensure that Norma’s time with us was full of genuine care, love and dignity. Thank you.
“For mine angel is with you, and I myself caring for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:7
A visitation will be held Thursday, February 1st at Moeller Funeral Home from 10am-noon, immediately followed by a service. A graveside service will take place at St. Paul’s Cemetery.
GUESTBOOK
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Norma. Just the few months of me knowing her, she always made me feel special and welcome. -Chrystal Raymond
