Norma Kuzminski

Age 91, of Hammond, passed away Tuesday, June 19, 2018. Norma was preceded in death by her husband Joseph, parents Lawrence and Katherine; sister Roberta; sons James and Robert; grandson Rich. Norma is survived by her children: Janet (Gordon), Joseph (Louise), Catherine (John) & Laura (James); Grandchildren:  Benjamin, Kelly, Colleen, Jim, Jimmy, JD, Amy, Michael and Aubrie; Great Grandchildren: Taylor Lee Ann, Matthew Robert, Kali Jane, Elizabeth Lynn, Kiran William, Scott Martin and Arya Hope; her Pet Sassy

As a daughter Norma was happy, sweet; loving, easygoing, and helpful to her parents.  Both her parents loved children. She was raised in a happy loving and disciplined home.  With two working parents they were well provided for…. they even had a pony.  She enjoyed fun family time and learned good work ethics.  Norma admired her parents and did her best to be just like them.

As the older sister of three, she was a good role model in showing tremendous love and compassion and strength. She would give sisterly advice whether accepted or not.  Her brother was 19 years younger so big sister also played kind of "mommy role".  She took it upon herself to cut off the beautiful curly locks her parents loved so much, to make him look more like a little boy.  In hindsight, she realized that was not a good idea. Either way it was good practice for what was to come.

As a coworker, she was loyal, loving and always supported of and participated in work events such as picnics, dances, dinners and fundraisers etc.  She always greeted her coworkers, including her mother and her son Joey, with a big smile.  Norma loved her job and was proud to work for Ma Bell.  Despite having 6 children Norma worked full time with near perfect attendance.  She set a fine example of a hard worker.

As a wife Norma was faithfully married to her husband Joe for 52 years.  She seldom called him darling or sweetheart because they had more personal pet names for each other.  She would get up in the morning make breakfast and lunch for her husband and come home from work and get supper on the table. She was a fashionable wife. Dressed to the nines, a beautiful dress or suit, some she sewed herself, with coordinating shoes and handbag. She had beautiful manicured nails and styled hair.  Mom never left the house without her lipstick.  Looking nice was a must.  She was a capable wife.  She managed the budget. Not only did she pay the bills, shopped for food, clothing and other household needs, she put a little money away for fun and games and rainy days.  She enjoyed helping out with home improvement projects. Mom would help with painting, wallpapering and paneling walls.  She enjoyed working outdoors in the yard growing roses, putting up and taking down our 4' pool each year and much more. Norma and Joe enjoyed watching TV, listening to the radio and working cross word puzzles together.  They shared the love of family. They had ups and downs like most folks but stuck together through thick and thin. As far as Joe was concerned Norma remained beautiful in his eyes.  He never stopped flirting with her. Joe loved his wife tremendously.

As a mother we grew up in a happy loving home.  Our mom was kind, loving, happy, strong, forgiving, generous and adventuresome.  We took annual vacations.  Have car will travel…from the 1964 World's Fair in New York.  We rode cross country, from ocean to ocean and down to the Gulf of Mexico and most of the lower 48 States.  We were encouraged to get our hands dirty by engaging in life whether we were digging for diamonds, scooping up seashells, hiking down a meteor crater or up a mountain "Not too high" she would say.  She was a supportive sport mom.  I don't think she missed one game.  When we were home and not traveling we spent family time playing board and card games. Mom took advantage of all the nearby states had to offer.  It was not unusual to take a day and visit local museums, zoos, parks etc.  Our mom and dad were hands on and taught us many skills.  We were always encouraged to learn.  She took all kinds of classes offered by park districts, art centers & healthcare groups. Mom would always ask if we wanted to join her.  She learned upholstery, fire pottery, glass painting, and ceramics just to name a few.  Hugs and kisses were never ending.

She remained calm and reasonable in times of crises waiting to grieve and worry behind closed doors… with the exception of defending her children, then the "Momma Bear" would come out blazing.  We may have been mortified at the moment but grateful after.  As we grew into adulthood she allowed us children to make our own life choices without being judgmental, always respectful even when she disagreed.  She loved animals and we had a boat load.. dogs, cats and more.  When one of us would bring home a stray and asked, "can we keep it?" nine times out of ten the answer was yes.  Even the skunk got to stay.

Mom was a good listener.  It didn't matter what we needed to talk about.  When standing at a crossroad of life and needed advice mom would listen and never judge.  Some conversations were sad or serious, some happy and some just silly stories.  Mom made time for all of them.

As a grandmother she was self-sacrificing.  Grandma loved children.  She enjoyed having them around.  She was all about hugs and kisses.  She loved to be playful and kid around. She could tolerate almost everything they dished out.  Even when she fell asleep and they wrapped yarn around her.  She woke up with the "ooooooh I'm going to get you kids", then laughed it off.  She always found humor in life. When under her watch if an injury would happen she remained calm and just let us know to meet her at the ER.  When the grandchildren speak "Grandma", they can't help but smile.  She gave them love and laughter.

Norma was an honest woman and sometimes opinionated.  I will always remember my siblings saying that's our mama after she spoke her mind, never under her breath always loud enough for all to here… "Her skirt is too short" or  "I don't like the way she styled my hair" and much more.  Everyone knew Norma would tell it like it is.

As a member of her congregation she was a faithful servant of Jehovah for 34 years. She was kind, happy and eager to see her friends and family at Kingdom Hall and congregation gatherings.  Her generosity was never ending.  Candy for the children small gifts for the adults.   Mom would order boxes of book marks inscribe with encouraging scripture. Handing them out gave her such joy.  If she knew you were fond of something in particular, Norma would keep an eye out for it.  It wasn't unusual to get a little something from Norma.  Going in the field ministry with her congregation of Brothers and Sisters gave her great pleasure.  As she declined in health the friends would take special care to include Norma in the ministry. She also enjoyed kidding around with people.  She had a great sense of humor.  She was loved and respected by all.

My mom was happy, loved and well cared for all her life.  A special heartfelt thank you to our sister Laura and her husband Jim.  They provided exceptional care for our mother.  They filled each day with mental, emotional, physical and nutritional care.  Because of their compassionate love, our mother Norma remained home surrounded by family and friends.  No mother could ask for more.

Norma enjoyed a positive healthy relationship with her God Jehovah and his son Jesus Christ.

Our family appreciates every one's warm thoughts and prayers.