Norma Barnard

Norma Jo Barnard was born September 27th, 1951, to Ruth and Dale Barnard (deceased). She loved growing up on the family farm in Oxford, Indiana with her 5 sisters; Rita Etter (Tom), Rose Moyars (Bill), Jean Dispennett (Dave), Janet Young (Brian, deceased), Eleanor McFatridge (Dave) ~ and her two younger brothers ~ David Michael (Karen) and Joe (Toni). It was pure joy to watch and listen to Norma recall, vividly, this chapter of her life; the family dogs, baby chicks crawling all over her, where you can walk in mom’s garden / flower bed, her red wagon for picking up leaves, playing ‘buck-buck’, mom’s cooking and dad’s candy. When Norma shared these stories, whether you were family or friend, you couldn’t help but be captivated by her theatrics and carefully chosen words. Her astute attention to details was incredible.

The second chapter of Norma’s life began in the summer of 1974. Her parents sold the family farm and moved to Tucson, AZ. Here, she loved attending church services and related social gatherings with ‘Mother’, as she so enduringly referred to her. She loved to talk about all their new friends. Norma’s mother also kept her busy by enrolling Norma in many ‘day-work’ programs available to people with special needs. Norma took great confidence being on time, learning new skills and doing it ‘right’, as well as working with others. Norma was very disciplined and embraced routine. (And if you stepped out of bounds, she was the first to let you know…)

Over the years, Norma delighted in the many family visits from ‘her kids’, which was her term of endearment when talking about her siblings. The thrill she felt when they would arrive would arrive, rendered her speechless. Her ‘squeal of delight and heartfelt smile’ said it all.

At age 42, and after the passing of Norma’s mother (1993), it was not possible for her father to care for Norma himself. It was a challenge but eventually, he found her first group home. After Norma began residence in her new group home, ‘Father’ (a term of endearment) developed a routine of talking with Norma 3 to 4 times a day to be certain she had all the comforts home to make her feel safe and secure. These loving phone calls continued until his death in 1999.

In 2001, with the help of some phenomenal case workers form Division of Development Disabilities (DDD), Norma moved to a group home owned by Catholic Social Services. (Today, known as Danville Services). Norma would spend the next 20 years of her life with this agency, living in 4 different residences. She continued to attend day programs for 5 more years. Besides her love of babies and animals, it was during this time she discovered her fondness of arts and crafts for years to come. Paralyzed since the age of 2 on her right side, Norma boldly and patiently developed her love of beading. Quiet, meticulous hours were spent threading beads with one hand, along with endless hours of painting and coloring pictures. Norma found her calling. She was an artist!

At the end of Norma’s life, completely paralyzed, there was a wonderful team of people who assured Norma’s physical and safety needs were satisfied. For their guidance and assistance, we would like to extend our thanks for the on-going professional guidance and years of support provided us by Ruth Cazares and MaryBeth Michaels from DDD. Also, we are grateful for the 20 year long relationship with Danville Services for providing a home and caring for Norma. We are beholden to the Staff at The Burns House who took unfathomable care (especially after Norma contracted Coved) to meet Norma’s daily medical needs, her demands to keep her baby dolls with her, and cheerfully endured 5 months of watching and listening to ‘Casper the Friendly Ghost’. Lastly, we feel blessed to have had the assistance from the compassionate team from Bristol Hospice who were instrumental in her last 5 months of medical care and end-of-life, comfort care.

Norma’s honest, joyful way of living, no matter what, and forgiving heart live within us all, forever.

The Barnard Family

We appreciate any comments or thoughts you may have about Norma.