Norma Jean Helms

Norma was born on January 24, 1934, in Elyria, Ohio, to Raymond and Katherine Whitty. She was a gifted student—the first in her family, and the only one in her high school class, to attend college. She earned a nursing degree in 1956 from Ohio State University and was proud to be a member of the honorary nursing sorority Sigma Theta Tau.

Always adventurous, Norma moved to Denver to begin her nursing career, quickly rising to the position of head nurse. It was there, at the University of Colorado Medical Center, that she met her future husband, Charles Helms. Later, she moved to Washington, D.C., and worked as a nurse in one of the first intensive care units in the nation at Georgetown University Medical Center, where she reconnected with and married Charlie. Charlie and Norma shared a wonderful marriage full of laughter and love, and remained best friends until his passing in 2017.

In addition to raising their four children, Norma was a pillar of her community. She served as a member of the Medical Auxiliary and the League of Women Voters. She helped found the local recycling center, delivered Meals on Wheels, cooked weekly at the soup kitchen, and presented works of art for discussion in elementary schools. Many children looked forward to her visits as “the art lady.”

Music was always a central part of Norma’s life. An accomplished pianist, she often accompanied her children’s singing or played duets with them. She taught all her children to harmonize—car trips and holidays were always filled with song. She sang in the Westminster Presbyterian Church choir and played in the bell choir.

Norma was vivacious and kind, always ready to lend a hand and never without a good joke. She enjoyed spirited political debates but remained open to learning from others’ experiences and ideas. In her free time, she loved to read (and recite) poetry, delve into historical biographies, and quilt.

She is survived by her children, David Helms, Michael Helms, Ann Helms, and Barbara Helms Casey, as well as her five grandchildren: Mary, Kathryn, Matthew, Andy, and Xavier.

A memorial service to celebrate Norma’s life will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 8178 Cline Ave, Crown Point, IN 46307.