She was born in St. Louis, Missouri on October 9, 1934, to Kalman and Elsie Hollander, the second of two daughters.
Growing up, she was outgoing, involved, smart and hard-working. She earned an academic scholarship to Washington University, studying social work. In 1955, she married Edward Stanley Rader, leaving college to work and earn enough to support them both as he finished medical school.
Between 1958 and 1964, Norma and Ed had three children – Nancy, Jeff and Dan. In addition to her fierce love and unwavering support for her husband, Norma dedicated her life to her three children, teaching them important life lessons and encouraging them to find and pursue their passions.
After the children left the nest, Norma turned her creative talents to knitting. Over time, she assembled a small team of knitters who, over the course of 18 years delivered more than 15,000 hand-knit scarves, hats and gloves to children in need.
Norma will be remembered for her courage, her kind heart, and her giving nature. She was a voracious reader and a lifelong learner. And she was an exceptional friend. She’ll be missed by all who had the good fortune of knowing her.
She was preceded in death by Kalman and Elsie Hollander and her sister Betty. She was survived by her husband Edward Rader, her daughter Nancy Inhofe, her sons Jeff Rader (spouse Sarah) and Dan Rader (partner Hoai Huynh), and her grandchildren Glade Inhofe, Cole Inhofe and Anna Rader.
Services will be held at the small chapel at Congregation Shaare Emeth, 11645 Ladue Rd, St. Louis, MO 63141, on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 1:00 pm. Visitation begins at 12:30.
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in Norma’s memory to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Washington University in St. Louis or the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry.
