Norma graduated from Peru High School and devoted many years to her home and family as a stay-at-home mother, faithfully caring for her daughters. In countless quiet, steady ways, she showed what it means to be devoted—present, dependable, and generous with her time. She regularly volunteered at Concordia grade school and high school for various functions alongside her husband. When her daughters were older, she returned to the workforce, serving for several years at the Orthopedic Clinic and for Dr. Roger Smith.
A long-time member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Norma’s faith was a guiding strength throughout her life. She also enjoyed the fellowship of the Red Hat Society. Her resilience was especially evident as she fought five cancers over more than 25 years, meeting each season with steadfast courage and a spirit anchored in belief. She shared her faith with family, friends, and her wonderful neighbors, offering encouragement that was sincere and enduring.
Norma loved living at Witmer Lake for many years, where simple joys and familiar routines became treasured memories. She was the secretary of LWML at Messiah Luther Church of Wolcottville, IN, where she volunteered during vacation Bible school and youth programs. She found comfort and creativity in crocheting, sewing, painting ceramics, and tending to her butterfly collection—pastimes that reflected her patient hands and thoughtful heart.
Norma is survived by her daughters Deborah (Gregory) Bates of Fort Wayne, IN, and Cynthia (Christopher) Jordan of Rockville, MD; grandchildren, Christina (Patrick) Surine, Lauren (Eric) Richeson, Dianna Jordan, and Dominick Jordan; nine great-grandchildren; and the loved family dog, Gidget.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, Merlyn Luther Bloom, on January 11, 2024, and by her sister, Joan Shank, on August 29, 2021.
Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 7710 E. State Boulevard, Fort Wayne, IN, with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
Committal and burial will take place at Concordia Gardens Cemetery, 5300 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN.
Memorials may be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church Youth Program or Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana.
Arrangements are entrusted to D.O. McComb and Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home, 4017 Maplecrest Road, Fort Wayne, IN.
