Norma Jean McCall, 91, of Overland Park, KS passed away October 11, 2023 at Olathe Hospice House with her daughter Kim by her side. She was born March 15, 1932 in Kansas City, KS to Emma C. (Streck) and Herbert T. Williamson. She grew up in KCK with many cousins who were her earliest best friends and graduated from Bishop Ward High School, KCK. After graduation, she began working as a secretary at Skelly Oil Company on the Plaza. Norma was also a data entry operator at IBM, and worked temp jobs as a “Kelly Girl” through Kelly Services. One of these jobs was at UMKC, where she was soon offered a permanent job. While there, she received the Outstanding Support and Service Employee Award while working as an Administrative Assistant in the Registrar’s Office. She also worked briefly in Admissions, and retired from UMKC in 1996.
Having met at Skelly Oil, Norma married Howard R. McCall on June 20, 1953 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in KCK. Their daughter, Kimberly, was born a few years later. They began married life in KCK then bought a house in Overland Park. Norma volunteered as a room mother while Kim was in grade school and high school. She was also a member of the Bishop Miege Mothers Club. As well, Norma and Howard supported the Bishop Miege Girls’ basketball teams for over 20 years. In 2014, they moved to an apartment, where they played cards/games with their new neighbors and friends. Norma’s Catholic faith was very important to her, and she and Howard were founding members of Church of the Holy Cross in Overland Park. While at Holy Cross, Norma and Howard were very active members of the Social Club and the Sunshine Club. Norma was also a long-time member of the Women of Holy Cross, particularly Mother Theresa’s Circle, for which she volunteered as the funeral meal coordinator for several years.
Norma always liked to watch “her stories” and game shows on TV, even more so since moving to the apartment. She also enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, crossword and word search books, along with numerous card games. Norma was pretty good at gambling too. She and Howard attended horse and dog races, first with her UMKC coworkers. Later, she and Howard would enjoy casino outings, often traveling to Iowa for a couple of days of food, fun, and hopefully winnings.
Norma was predeceased by her parents, her older sister Geraldine (who passed at the age of one year when Norma was only 3 ½ months old), and her husband of 68 years Howard.
Survived by daughter, Kim and son-in-law Steve Grant of Lee’s Summit, MO; her “girls,” granddaughters, Tracey of Kansas City, MO and Madison of Lee’s Summit, MO; sister-in-law, Marlene Cooper; nieces, nephews, and many special cousins and good friends.
Visitation will be at 10:00 am, Rosary at 10:30 am, and Funeral Mass at 11:00 am on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at Church of the Holy Cross, 8311 W 93rd St, Overland Park, KS 66212. A luncheon honoring both Norma and Howard (who passed during COVID) will immediately follow the mass in the church basement. Private family graveside service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Olathe Hospice House, 15310 S Marion St., Olathe, KS 66061.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcgilleyhoge.com for the McCall family.
