Norma Ella Smith

Norma Ella Smith, 89, passed away on January 30, 2017 at the Clermont Park Retirement Community of Denver, Colorado. Norma was born to Louis and Anna VanDeWege in Prairie View, Kansas on July 23, 1927. Norma is survived by her husband of 69 years, Henry P. Smith; her son, Gary (Dianne) Smith of Bailey, Colorado; her daughter, Doris (Ronald) DeLuca of Birmingham, Alabama; her daughter, Carol (Roger) Stock of Sheffield, Iowa; her daughter, Nancy (Wally) Bensman of Denver, Colorado; 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Norma grew up in a farm family in Prairie View, Kansas and relocated to Denver after graduation in 1945. In Denver she attended Central Business College, was employed by Snyder Aircraft for a year, and then worked in the district office for J.C. Penney until her son Gary was born. While raising her children, Norma also provided day care for several families. In 1965, she combined homemaking with a career and spent the next 11 years as an office manager for two Denver physicians. During 1980, Norma worked as an Activity Director for the University Hills Nursing Home (now Clermont Park). Her final and perhaps most rewarding role, was as a Day Care Grandma for two of her grandsons. Norma was an active member of the First Reformed Church for many years and was also a member of South Denver Women’s Aglow.

Norma was predeceased by her parents; her brothers, Donald and Paul VanDeWege; and her sister, Edna VanDeWege Wheeler.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Norma’s name to Clermont Park in care of Christian Living Communities, 7000 E. Belleview Ave. #150, Greenwood Village, CO 80111 or to the Alzheimer's Association Colorado Chapter, 455 Sherman Street, Suite 500, Denver, CO 80203 http://www.alz.org/co/in_my_community_donate.asp