Obituary of Sandra Ann Norman

Sandra Ann Stoner was born on August 17, 1938, in Monroe, Michigan. She was the oldest of five children born to the union of Howard Stoner and Mary Elizabeth "Betty" (Sweeney) Stoner. She attended St. John’s elementary and high school at Monroe Public Schools graduating with the Class of 1956. She continued her education at Eastern Michigan University obtaining her bachelor’s degree in education.

Sandra took a position with Jefferson Schools working as an Elementary Teacher. On December 12, 1964, she married James Carrol Norman at Carleton United Methodist Church. Sandra soon left her position to raise a family as the couple were blessed with the birth of three children. She later returned to the workforce taking a position with Airport Community Schools. At Airport, her career spanned many years, often requested by families, she was truly beloved as an educator.

Throughout her life, Sandy was passionate about her children.  Always encouraging them and present at all their activities. A wonderful host, her home was always the place to be. The backyard was an oasis, with an inviting pool, where all the neighbor kids  enjoyed hanging out. As a grandmother, Sandra remained highly active, doting over  her grandchildren, just as she had with her children. 

In her free time, Sandy enjoyed bird watching, gardening and beach time in Longboat Key. Being very artistic, following her retirement, she became an accomplished painter. She also liked crafts including knitting. She spent Tuesdays with the crafting ladies at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church.

For fifteen years, Sandy and Jim wintered in Lakeland, Florida. The Snowbirds enjoyed November through April in the Sunshine State. They were extremely social, with a group of friends attending plays,  going out to eat, playing cards andr various board games. Most recently, Sandy moved with her daughter Carrie and husband Roy to South Lake LeAnn in Irish Hills. She attended the Lambertville Community Church and sang this last Christmas in the choir.

Sandra Ann Norman, age 85 of Jerome, Michigan formerly of Carleton passed away at 11:09pm  on Monday; April 8, 2024. She had been under the care of Heartland Hospice. Her passing was preceded by her parents; husband: James Carrol Norman; a sister: Mary  "Betsy" (Herb) Erickson; two brothers: "Bud" Howard Stoner Jr. and Paul (Susan) Stoner; and  brothers-in-law: Jack Norman, Thomas  Norman.

To cherish her memory, she leaves three children: Jim (Dawn) Norman of Ann Arbor, Carrie (Roy) Southerland of Jerome, and Kathy Norman (Scott Mecham) of Carleton; a sister: Margaret (Larry) Maddox of Troy; and two sisters-in-law: Sonya Stoner of Germany, Joyce Norman of Carleton; seven grandchildren: Olivia, Gillian, Nicole, Jordan, Jackson, Michael and Brady; and one great grandchild: Ellie: and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation for family from Noon-1:00pm. Friends may gather for visitation from 1:00-2:00pm, on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Lambertville Community Church; 7134 Summerfield Road, Lambertville, Michigan 48144. A Funeral Service Celebrating Her Life will take place at 2:00pm with Pastor Roy Southerland her son-in-law officiating. Her care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162, (734) 384-5185. Cremation has taken place through Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan, a division of Merkle Enterprises, Inc.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in her honor are suggested to Monroe Missionary Baptist Church Crafting Ministry. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.