Norma June Ellertson

In Memory of Norma June Ellertson

From North Dakota to Long Beach
Her impact did reach

Her upbringing prepared her for a very full life
She stood strong no matter the strife

From travel to church to Lladro and sweets
Norma welcomed everyone to join in her feasts

That voice in the choir was constant indeed
She attended rehearsals without losing speed

Norma created a home that her grandchildren adored
Holidays were filled with food and galore

They would sneak off to Cubberly to run and ride bikes
While grandma made pies which everyone likes

She met her dear Warren and together built a life
Filled with dreams and adventure she relished being a wife

Their family began with a baby named Mark
Whose sense of adventure made for some exciting arcs

Then second in line came the exuberant Todd
Who Norma leaned on when times became odd

And then came her baby, who became my dear Jon
Until one fateful day when he was suddenly gone

We shared a deep grief that connected us in a way
But despite all our strength the clouds remained gray

It is a fact of a long life that sorrow will impede
But the strength to go on is the greatest of feats

When Warren did pass, life took a left turn
But the warmth of her home was never left to burn

A fierce mother-in-law she was when Jon was alive,
But bonding in grief was a way to survive

It is said that no child should precede a parent in death
For when that does happen it simply takes away your breath

But again, she stood strong with the aid of her sons
Until Todd passed away and then there stood one

That one son left standing protected his mom
Traversing this road with the unequaled calm

Looking at her long life is sobering to say the least
It points out the impact she made with the greatest of feasts

The peace that she now feels must be a great relief
It is a transition for sure from sorrow and grief

Sam and Tash, Josh and Chad, Eden and Eli
Your grandma loved you with relish and might

So, celebrate it all by living a good life

By Ann Van Winkle