Norma Lucile Beer Hunt

Norma Lucile Beer Hunt was born in Portland on February 3, 1930, to Norman Beer and Lucile Hodges Beer. She had three younger siblings: Lawrence (d. 2014), Peter, and Suzanne (d. 2010). She lived her entire childhood in Portland, attending St. Rose and The Madeleine grade schools, and then St. Mary's Academy from which she graduated at age 16. She attended Oregon State University, where she met her future husband, Tom (d. 1995) whom she married in 1949. They lived in Portland, Tacoma, Yakima, Enterprise, and Walla Walla, with their four boys, Lawrence B. (Jean, Kathleen) of Beaverton; Thomas N.(d.2016) (Peggy) of Port Orchard, WA; Christopher J. (Cheryl) of Vashon, WA; and Anthony W. of Aloha.

Norma taught in Portland Public Schools during the 1960's, and later at Umapine High School, and after returning to Portland, Oregon City School District and McMinnville. Later, she worked as a Vocational Rehab Counselor and then a career counselor.

In 1988, she and Tom retired and moved to Port Angeles, WA, where he did consulting work with the BPA, and she helped create Olympic Peninsula Adult Learning (OPAL). They also delved into genealogy of the family, with Norma writing at least three books on family history.

Norma was an avid hiker with the Klahanie in Port Angeles, a voracious reader who belonged to numerous book clubs, and continued to play tennis and pickleball well into her 70's. She and Tom enjoyed travel to Mexico and England and, after his death, she continued exploring the British Isles, Europe, Mexico, China, Tibet, and Canada, among other destinations.

In 2013, Norma was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia and moved to St. Anthony Village in Portland. Her life-long friends, Jean Mitchell and Connie Manning, regularly visited with her to play Scrabble and recount stories from their youth. She is survived by 3 sons, 11 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.

Mom's passing marks the end of an era. She was a force with which to contend, as well. She was stubborn, fierce, and held her head high to the end.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Anthony Village, The Lewy Body Dementia Association, or The Sisters of the Holy Names Retirement Fund would be appreciated.