Norma Jean McIsaac

With family at her bedside, Norma passed away on April 22, 2016, following a prolonged illness. Diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in July 2015, our mother was hospitalized for eight months. She fought the good fight until last Friday when the angels came and ended her suffering. Our Mom touched the lives of so many people. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 39 years, James McIsaac, Sr., and her son, James, Jr (“Jimmy”). Norma is survived by her daughters Pamela Walchak (David) and Nancy Steinbach (Bradley) and grandchildren, Alexandra, Jimmy, Bradley, Anthony, and Blake, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins from Croatia to California. The recent birth of her great-grandson, Zachary, brought such joy during the most difficult times.

Norma was also preceded in death by her dear brothers John M. Gerbas, Sr., Lawrence Gerbas, Daniel R. Gerbas, and her loving sister, Dorothy Helen Sikora. In addition to her immediate family, Norma had many nieces and nephews: Janis Lindsey of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA; Elaine Vlasek (Paul) of Sandy Springs, GA; Laura Gerbas Olsen (Loren) of Hutchinson, MN; John M. Gerbas, Jr. of Florida; and Mike Gerbas (Mary) of Orland Park, Illinois. She has many grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and cousins here in the US and in Croatia.

Norma’s parents were Croatian immigrants. On April 12, 1934, she was born to Mike (“Mate”) Gerbas from Preko (Zagreb) Croatia and Helen (“Jelica”) Gerbas from Split, Croatia. The Gerbas family settled in Chicago, IL, and lived in a small community called “Hegewisch.” In 1948, they moved to San Pedro, CA. Norma graduated from San Pedro High School in 1952 where she majored in business studies. She worked for Ramo-Wooldridge Corporation (now TRW Corp); then for the Administrator of San Pedro Community Hospital; and as an office/medical assistant for a local physician. She embraced her Croatian heritage and was active in cultural activities, including a“Tamburitza” dance group. On October 26, 1956, Norma married James Anthony McIsaac (“Jim”) and had three children: Pamela Ann, James Anthony, Jr., and Nancy Jean. They settled in San Pedro and then Wilmington. In 1962, their lives changed course when Jim went to work for the newly formed Taco Bell Corporation. He worked to set up the corporate commissary, quality control, and opened many franchises. In June 1966, the McIsaacs relocated to Sacramento, CA, where Jim & Norma opened the first Taco Bell franchise in Northern California. Life would change again in August 1969 when they decided to leave the “fast food” business and purchased a restaurant & bar in the Sierra Foothill community of Weimar, CA. They operated “The Jimmy Inn” for nearly 30 years. For many years, Norma also catered meals at the local Jesuit retreat facility in Applegate, CA. Sadly, in April 1995, Norma lost her beloved husband to brain cancer. Thereafter, she closed "The Jimmy Inn" and began a new journey.

In 1997 after spending a few months as a chef at a hunting lodge in a remote area of Alaska, Norma answered an ad for a “Fraternity House Mother” with the U.C. Davis Chapter of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. For the next 12 years, she took care of a houseful of college students she affectionately referred to as “Her Boys.” The Sigma Chi stories and photos Her Boys have shared on social media will make you laugh and cry. She was described by many as their “Mom away from home, a mentor, a counselor, friend, and even party animal.” She would party with Her Boys all night long, yet dispensed tough love when needed. She encouraged them to study, woke them for mid-terms and finals, prepared many meals, and gave her opinions – whether asked for or not (wink). She would not hesitate to tell them “how the cow ate the cabbage” and give them a proverbial swift kick when it was needed. One of Norma's proudest moments came in 2004 when she was awarded the “Edna A. Boss Award” for “Most Outstanding Houseparent” for the entire Sigma Chi Fraternity comprised of over 200 chapters across the United States and Canada. She received this award at the Balfour Leadership Training Workshop at Kansas State University where she received a standing ovation by over 1,500 Sigma Chi Brothers in attendance – truly, an honor of which she was quite humbled to receive. If ever there was “the perfect job” for a person, Norma’s position as House Mother was the perfect job for her.

Pam and Nancy would like to thank all of you who came to visit, sent notes & cards, offered prayers, and called Norma while she was hospitalized. Many thanks to Azam for the wonderful care you gave to our mother. Our appreciation goes out to the staff at Casa Coloma Care Home in Rancho Cordova -- Thank you to Annie for being with us at the end. Your compassion and kindness helped during the most difficult time.Our Mom will be missed by many. She left behind a legacy of stories and adventures (worthy of publication) that we hope will bring a smile to your face. Please take a moment and share your memories of Norma. A Mass in Celebration of her Life will be held Thursday, May 19, 2016, at 11am at SS. Peter & Paul Church, 4450 Granite Dr., Rocklin CA. A reception will follow right after Mass in the church social hall. Donations in Norma’s name may be directed to the American Lung Association or to SS. Peter & Paul Church, Rocklin, CA.