Norma Jean Carpenter

Norma Jean Schmidt Carpenter of Orange City, Florida, arrived in heaven early Sunday, January 14, 2018. Jean was born on October 26, 1926, in Princeton, Indiana, to the late Robert Lee and Velma Lena (Gourley) Schmidt. She was the oldest of three siblings, having two brothers; Robert Nelson and Doyle Lee, both deceased.

She was married on February 23, 1952, to Gordon Duane Carpenter in the First Christian Church in Spencer, Indiana.

In 1959, the family of 7 moved to Orlando, Florida, where Jean eventually went to work for the Martin Marietta Corporation, which is now Lockheed Martin, from which she retired in 1989. She and Gordon were members of the “REALM” (“Retired Employees Association of Lockheed Martin” formerly known as “RAMM” or the “Retired Association of Martin Marietta) and participated in the bowling league even after moving to Orange City, Florida at retirement.

Jean was a lifelong member of the Order of the Eastern Star and a pink lady in the ICU/CCU at the then Orlando Regional Medical Center in the 1970’s and 1980’s. She and Gordon were also a part of the Orange County Guardian Ad Litem program and took in foster children.

Jean is survived by her four children, Cheryl (Ed) Adamkiewicz, Linda (Richard) Hudson, Scott (Mary) Carpenter, and Bill Carpenter. She is also missed by her 13 grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren, and foster child, Laura. She is predeceased by her parents, brothers, husband, and daughter, Kerry Laws, and granddaughter, Chalin Adamkiewicz.

Jean will be remembered as a generous, friendly person, willing to help wherever and whenever needed. She will be greatly missed by her family and longtime friends, Helen and Olene.

A special thanks from the family to the staff of the Memory Care Unit of Majestic Oaks JKV and the Halifax Health Hospice aides who gave loving and attentive care to our mother.

A graveside service will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park on Sunday, February 18, 2018, at 11:00 AM. A Celebration of Life is to be held following the service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Halifax Health Hospice of Volusia County or the Alzheimer’s Association.