Norma Lee Wilbur's Obituary
Norma Lee Ellestad was born in Fife, Washington on February 21, 1940 and passed away peacefully on January 4, 2017 after 18 days in St. Antony Hospital at Gig Harbor.
Norma graduated from Fife High School in 1958 and visited with her kindergarten/high school class mates almost monthly throughout her life. After high school Norma was determined to obtain a college education in spite of a high school consular who told her she needed a husband not a college degree. She worked her way to a bachelor degree in education at Central Washington University. Then she taught in grade schools near Fife. Later she moved on to become a buyer at Tektronix in Oregon and other professions outside of teaching, her first love.
Her parents, Sigard & Randi Ellestad, were Norwegian immigrants and Norma was proud of her heritage. She married her husband Jerry Olson who had a similar Norwegian heritage. Their three children were proud of their Norwegian heritage while becoming active Americans.
After a long happy marriage, Norma’s husband, Jerry, passed away following long difficult illnesses. Norma continued her professional work while being very active in supporting her children and their families.
In February 8, 2009 Norma married Don Wilbur. They had met while playing bridge at the University Place Senior Center. After several luncheons and mutual social events, but most importantly, the subtle sparring conversations to determine the politics of each other, it was determined the couple were Republicans. The courting began in the 2008 election where they processed or put out almost a thousand Republican yard signs and helped in many campaigns.
Norma continued her political activities in the Pierce County Republican Party, the Lakewood Republican Women and many other political activities. Bridge continued to be a fun activity. And, Don and Norma spent two weeks in March in Arizona at Mainers spring baseball and added to the travel with cruises in Europe and elsewhere. Norma’s family was happily integrated with Don’s and family gathering were often and active. Norma’s family: son Bruce Olson (Dana) in Alaska, daughter Wendy Johnson (Blake) in Edmonds and granddaughters, Emily and Kennedy, daughter Christy Swanson, and grand-kids Jacob and Lindsey. Don’s family: daughter Cherie Taylor and granddaughter Jessica.
A celebration of Norma’s life will be held at the Mountain View Memorial Park, Aspen chapel on January 13 at 3:00 P.M.
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