Norma C. Gardner was born in Burlington, Vermont on February 6, 1932.  She passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on February 17, 2023, in Salem, Oregon, surrounded by loved ones.

Norma leaves behind a legacy of raising 5 children in Tacoma, WA. Norma was a master homemaker, a bookstore owner, an interior designer, a superb seamstress, & clothing construction instructor at Clover Park Voc. School.  Most recently she enjoyed knitting baby hats and donated them to Catholic Services.

She was also a dutiful Air Force spouse. She and Lt. Col. John Gardner USAF (Ret.) were married in 1953 in Topeka, KN in the midst of John's flight training. She then followed along with the children as John was stationed at various sites around the US, and waited at home as he served in Japan. Upon retirement, they settled in Tacoma, WA and she made a happy home for the family for the next 25 years.

Norma was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Gardner in 1995.  They were married 42 years. She was also preceded in death by her amazing daughter, Mary Potaski, in 1986.

Her good sense of humor, generosity, and easy-going demeanor served her well throughout her life.  She was a blessing to all who knew her.

Norma is survived by her sister Gail Gilmore (Ted) of Raleigh, NC; 4 of her 5 children, Debbie Lassich (Blaine) of Sierra Vista, AZ, Mike Gardner of Santa Ana, CA, Judy Nelson (Nigel) of Reading, England, and Nancy Wallace (John) of Salem, OR. Norma has 7 grandchildren: Jesse Gardner, Chelsea Nelson, Rudy Larson, Jennifer Wallace, Katherine Wallace, Siobhan Nelson, & Jonathan Wallace. She also leaves behind 5 great-grandchildren: Violet Michener, Frankie Michener, Judah Michener, Este Pollack, & Rufus Wright.

A memorial Service will be held at 1PM on Saturday March 11 ^th , 2023 at New Tacoma Cemetery's Chambers Creek Chapel, 9221 Chambers Creek Way West, University Place, WA. A reception with refreshments will follow the service.

To view Norma's service via livestream, please follow the link below.  Livestreaming will begin at 12:45pm PST on Saturday, March 11, 2023.

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTY3ODE3NjM1NTIzOTYyMCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==