Norma Lind Regan

Loved by her family and community our beloved Norma passed away on March 14, 2012 at age 84. Born in Portland, Oregon on June 17, 1927 to Halvor and Amanda Lind, she was the baby of three children. Raised in St. John's she attended James John Elementary and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1945. She married James Regan in 1947. They settled in St. John's and raised their two daughters Susan and Sharon.

Norma was a loving, caring and kind mother who made sure that she was always present for her daughter's activities. She was the president of the Parent Teachers Association, a leader for Blue Birds and Campfire Girls, and always involved with their tap dance recitals. Norma was extremely creative and would design and sew her daughter's costumes. People always commented on how detailed and elaborate they were. Norma was a wonderful homemaker who made holidays and celebrations very special for her family. She was known for her beautiful displays during the holidays.

Norma loved the community of St. John's and volunteered for the St. John's Parade and was the St. John's Parade Band Placement Coordinator. She volunteered her services helping with the parade up until she was well into her late 70's when her health forced her to resign. She was always very active in the St. John's Heritage Association and held the tittle of President and Vice President. She loved preserving history and was proud of her own Norwegian heritage, researching her ancestry. In 2000 she was nominated as Citizen of the Year and she rode in the St. John's Parade. When the St. John's Bridge was rededicated, Norma was honored with the privilege to cut the reopening ribbon. It was truly her honor to serve her beloved community.

She was active in St. John Lutheran Church and taught Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, and sang in the church choir. She also sang in The Quarternotes and The Lutheran Choral. Norma loved her church very much. In addition to singing, she also was a voracious reader, enjoying mostly history, mystery and romance novels. Norma played card games such as solitaire, hearts and shang hai. As a grandmother she always made sure that her grandchildren knew they were loved. As a grandma, Norma shared her love of reading with her grandchildren and would read stories to them. She would have slumber parties for her grandkids and had a closet devoted to them that was full of games.

After her husband Jim lost his job, Norma got a job at KATU as a business manager and accountant. Over the 25 years she spent working there, Norma developed many long and lasting relationships that carried on even after her retirement.

Norma and Jim did some traveling together and on their many travels she would collect spoons and had them displayed in her home. Many of their travels were to visit different jazz festivals as both Norma and Jim both shared a passion for jazz music.

In 2004 she was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jim and a year later in 2005 the home that Jim built for them tragically burned down. It was a very devastating time for Norma, but with the loving support of her friends, family and community she settled in Assumption Village in an independent living apartment.

Norma is survived by her daughters, Susan Regan and Sharon Giddings; brother, Donald Lind; sister, Caroline Field; two grandchildren, Angela and Eric Knight; and one granddaughter, Kaiya Knight.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Norma will be held at 2 PM Saturday, March 24, 2012 in St. John Lutheran Church with a light reception to follow with private interment at Skyline Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to St. John Lutheran Church.