Norma Janssen of Prosser, Washington passed away at her home on Sunday, October 30, 2011 at age 74. One of 5 children, Norma was born on June 13, 1937 in Milton-Freewater, Oregon to Raymond and Leta Gibbons. At age 8, the family moved to Prosser where they started a cattle ranch. Norma spent the remainder of her childhood there until she graduated high school. She then moved to Richland and started work as a secretary at General Electric. She later married and had 5 children. Norma was a loving mother and family was always important to her so it was no surprise that she left her job to focus on raising her 5 children. She eventually returned to work and retired from Fluor Daniel in 1996. She had always loved the area where she grew up and, in 1995, returned to live in the family home in Prosser.

Norma loved music and was talented in playing the piano and clarinet. She also enjoyed boating, working word games, and was an avid reader. She had a fondness of animals and nature, and could tell you the species of just about any bird or tree if asked. Over the years, she enjoyed camping with her family but, her favorite place to go was the cabin built by her father in the Blue Mountains. Norma had a way of making everyone feel special and her home was the hub of the family. She always hosted the holiday dinners and all were welcome. Always humble, her proudest achievement was raising her 5 children. She always took pride in her children and their accomplishments more than her own. All her kids cherished their time with her and felt lucky to have her as their mom.

Norma is survived by her daughters Vivian, Diane, and Tami; son James, daughter-in-law Nancy, son-in-law Frank; brothers, Don, Steve, John, and Mike; sister-in-law Maria, 10 grandchildren, 6 great great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces. Norma is preceded in death by her daughter, Valerie, and her parents, Raymond and Leta Gibbons.

She possessed a kindness and incredible inner strength that drew us all to her. She will be missed always but fond memories will be cherished in our hearts forever.

A celebration of Norma's life will be held at Memories at Sunset Event Center, on the grounds of Sunset Memorial Gardens in Richland on Sunday, November 13th at 11 a.m. with a reception following immediately after.