Norma Jean Campbell Mahoney

Norma Jean Campbell Mahoney, 95 years old, of Seattle, Washington, passed away on Saturday evening, December 12, 2015, in Shoreline, Washington. She was born on September 15, 1920 in Greybull, Wyoming to A. Bruce & Gertrude Campbell. Norma's father, Bruce, worked for the Burlington railroad as a track foreman stationed out of Greybull. In 1921 Norma's father received a promotion which relocated the family to Lincoln, Nebraska.

Norma attended school in Lincoln where she graduated from Lincoln Public High school in 1938. During these formative years, she began playing the cello in the school orchestra. In later life Norma shared tales with her family of the trials of carrying the heavy cello to and from school on a daily basis. Later, she went on to college at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree with honors in 1941. While in college, Norma served on the Student Council, was a member of Omicron NU, and participated in other collegiate clubs. She continued to play her cello in string trios for teas and collegiate events.

After college, she worked in a career ahead of her time as a dietician, in several parts of the country. She worked in White Plains, NY; Minneapolis - St. Paul, MN and Arlington, VA. She also went overseas in post war time where she worked for the American Red Cross as a staff assistant. She was stationed in Liege, Belgium, where she worked as one of Red Cross' civilian relief representatives.

In 1951, Norma moved from Lincoln, Nebraska to St. Edward, Nebraska where she worked as a vocational education teacher at St. Edward Public Schools until 1953. It was during this time she met her soon-to-be husband. On June 18, 1952, Norma was married to Raymond Francis Mahoney of St. Edward, Nebraska, where they resided until his death on October 16, 1989. In St. Edward, Norma was a member of the St. Edward Presbyterian Church, Extension Club, and numerous local organizations. She and Ray were also successful small business owners. Norma continued to live in St. Edward until returning to Lincoln, Nebraska in 2003. In the spring of 2007, Norma relocated to Seattle, Washington, where she resided with her two daughters.

Norma had many interests in her lifetime. She enjoyed gardening, music, cooking, baking, reading, sports, and playing bridge, to name a few. She played her beloved cello until she was 92 years old. Throughout her lifetime she continued to be active in and supportive of church communities, learning institutions, charities and a variety of other interests. Even after moving to Seattle, her ties to Nebraska remained strong. One would catch her in front of the TV or listening to the radio as she followed the Cornhuskers in all their sports throughout the year.

Norma is survived by her daughters, Sheila Colleen Mahoney and Annelle Marie Mahoney of Seattle Washington; son Rex Alan Mahoney and wife Julie Mahoney of Albion, Nebraska; and numerous nieces and nephews across the country; as well as other family members and dear friends.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Raymond Francis Mahoney; Sister Mary Ann Campbell; and Brothers Robert, Kenny and Bruce Campbell.