Norma V. Lounsberry smiled her last smile and slipped into bliss in the early morning with family at her side.

Born and raised San Jose, Calif. area, she was the youngest of seven children born to William and Iris Vertrees.

On June 29, 1946, she married Jack while he was active duty. During the next 20 years they traveled to various duty stations all around the United States while Norma became proficient at all that being a “Navy wife” required as well as raising six children. She imbued those children with a sense of adventure, an appreciation of good food, generosity to all people and a strong work ethic.

Life gave her much and she shared these strong values with a sense of humor. She was our confidant, friend and consummate mom, grandma and great grandma.

After retiring to Whidbey Island, Wash., Jack and Norma traveled extensively, camping in all 50 states, as well as in Mexico and Canada.

Her interests were golf, bowling, bridge, entertaining (the Hostess with the Mostess) especially at the family Rhododendron Park, and keeping in touch with old friends.

Norma leaves here on Earth her husband of 73 years, Jack; her daughters, Jeanne Flanagan, Jan (Doug) Dority, Mary (Geoff) Wyman and Ruth Lounsberry; and will meet again with sons, Scott and William. Let’s not forget the nine terrific grandkids, David Flanagan, Miho (Russell) Eames, Juri Lounsberry, Brieanna (Justyn) Smith, Richard Pasquinelli, Dylan Shobe, Peter (Bryna) McCollum, Stephanie (Shawn) Collins, Megan (Ben) Jackson, as well as all of their wonderful kids, blended families and friends.

We will all get together at a future date to share our stories and adventures of this truly memorable lady.