Linda Joyce Norman

            Linda J. Norman, age 72, of Chatham, died Wednesday evening, December 13, 2023 at UPHS Marquette.   She was born in Highland Park, Michigan on April 24, 1951, the oldest of five daughters to Jerome “Joe” and Edna “Mickey” (McMillan) Peterson.  Growing up in a commercial fishing family, Linda and her family spent time in Harbor Beach and then moved to Manistique.  Cherished family memories included camping with her parents and sisters.  She graduated from Manistique High School in 1969.  Linda earned her bachelor's degree in teaching from Northern Michigan University.  It was there where mutual friends introduced her to Stephen Norman.  They were married on September 7, 1974.  Steve always said that Linda blessed him with three wonderful children.  Linda put her career on hold to stay home and raise her children.  When they were of school age, she returned to the workforce and always remained in elementary education.  Linda worked and subbed at local schools, but her true love and passion was found in Deerton at the AuTrain Onota Public Schools.  Mrs. Norman spent fifteen years teaching there and she loved every one of them.  Even in her retirement, she was involved with the activities at the school.  Linda was a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and a faithful and active member of Sion Lutheran Church where she shared her love of teaching and the Lord to the children during their Vacation Bible School.  Music was also important to her, especially Christian music and singing in the choir at church.   Linda and family built and ran The Corner Station where the community could get pizza, subs, and ice cream.  She and Steve would travel around the country to spend time with kids, grandkids, cousins, and siblings.  Linda poured herself into family whether raising her own children or helping with the family businesses.  Her life was a ministry of loving and caring for children.     

She is survived by her loving husband of over forty-nine years – Steve Norman of Chatham; children – Paul (Tara) Norman of Spring Branch, TX, Michelle Lorimer of Richland, MI, and Nathan (Kristy) Norman of Tyler, TX;  exchange students from Sweden - Patrik Hulterström and Terése Hulterström, who became her children while they lived here and still call Linda “Mom”;  father – Joe Peterson of Manistique; grandchildren – Bella, Jacob, Caleb, Liam, Alina, Maizee, Sophie, Camden, and Levi; son-in-law – Blair Lorimer; sisters – Carole Hare of Mill Creek, WA, Jo-Nell (John) Berger, Janet Krueger, and Kelly (Randy) Hatinger all of Manistique; brothers-in-law – Bart (Maureen) Norman of Brighton, MI and Mike (Keely) Norman of Chatham; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

          Linda was preceded in death by her mother Mickey, brothers-in-law Ken Krueger and Tom Norman, and parents-in-law Henry and Helen Norman.

          Visiting time with family and friends will take place at the Bowerman Funeral Home on Friday, January 5, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  There will also be visiting time on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at the Sion Lutheran Church in Chatham from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.   Rev. Bo Baumeister will conduct Linda’s memorial service at 11:00 a.m.   Interment will take place at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Chatham. 

          In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Linda’s name be made to the Sion Lutheran Church Vacation Bible School (P.O. Box 131, Chatham, MI  49862) or the AuTrain Onota Public Schools Children’s Activity Fund (P.O. Box 105, Deerton, MI  49822.