Norma's obituary

Norma Irene (Heimann) Ottensmeier, age 67, of Granville, OH died November 19, 2009, in her home, embraced by her husband and two daughters. Norma was born July 23, 1942, in Damiansville, IL, to Louis and Nora (Horstmann) Heimann, who both preceded her in death. Norma is also preceded in death by her brother Lester Heimann. Norma received her Bachelors of Science in Education degree from Southern Illinois University in 1971, and her Masters of Arts in Speech Communications from SIU in 1993. She retired in 2002 from the Central Community High School, in Breese, IL, where she served as librarian for 18 years. Norma was an avid reader, gardener, loved to play cards, and took great delight in her grandchildren Emily and Paul. Norma is survived by her husband of 48 years, Ralph; children Dawn Ottensmeier and Lisa (Brian) Crock. She is also survived by a brother, Melvin (Yvonne) Heimann, and sisters Aurea (Dave) Frerker, Audrey (Ron) Kolar, Grace Walker, Marlene (Allan) Carmack, Donna (John) Goldman, Lois (Rodger) Kalmer, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Norma was a blessing to all who knew her kind and generous ways. She was loved by all and will be greatly missed.

A private memorial Mass is planned for Ohio. A second memorial celebration of Norma’s life will be held in Illinois at a later date. Contributions in Norma’s memory may be made to Hospice of Central Ohio, 2269 Cherry Valley Rd., Newark, OH 43055.

November 19th, 2009 3:30 pm

Embraced by Ralph, Lisa and me, Norma passed away today at 3:30 p.m. It was a beautiful, peaceful death. She shifted from labored, quickened breaths, to a slower, paused pace. And then, she didn't breath again. We cried, and we held her, and we cried some more. And now, there's some relief in knowing that she's no longer feeling any pain. She's at peace, and for that, we're grateful.

There will be a private memorial in Ohio, and a second "celebration of life" in Illinois, at a future date.

We are truly blessed to have had Norma in our lives, and will miss her in ways that are difficult to fathom. We've also been blessed by the love that has surrounded her in so many wonderful ways. Heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who have held her in your thoughts and prayers. I know she has a special place in each of your hearts.

Here's to a very special woman, mother, grandmother, wife and friend. Raise a glass to Norma. That's what she'd want you to do.

Peace

Norma is home now (as of November 10th) and since then, you'll see six entries below of how she's spent her time. Precious, but challenging time. Since last Wednesday, when we celebrated Norma and Ralph's 48th anniversary, she's gone through a great deal of change. Each day, she has felt more discomfort and her pain medications are adjusted and increased. With that, she's more and more altered. Her body is getting weak and she sleeps more. She needs help moving from her bed to the wheel chair. She hates that we have to see her go through this decline. What's left of her independence is challenged, and as you can imagine, she's not happy about that.

Pray for her peaceful departure.

Saturday, 11/14

A beautiful day in Ohio, sunny and 75 degrees. Pictured here bottom row: Lisa, Norma, and my mom's sister Aurea from Illinois. Top row: Mom's sister Donna from Chicago, and Dawn.

Almost-Thanksgiving Dinner, 11/14

This past Saturday, we had a Thanksgiving dinner and decorated the table with Christmas placemats and candles. My mom made it to the table, in her wheel chair, and joined us for a delicious meal with baked chicken, mashed sweet potatoes, cranberry relish, green bean casserole and pies for dessert. We all spent the day preparing the meal and enjoying each other. Pictured here are Lisa and Brian, my mom's sisters Aurea and Donna, and Ralph and Emily. Paul and Dawn were there too.

Donna, Norma and Aurea 11/14/09

My mom's sister Donna pictured with Norma just after a shower. Her other sister, Aurea had just finished making a pumpkin pie and pampered my mom by feeding her a piece still warm from the oven.

Mom and Lisa

My mom tires easily and is in this positon quite often. Here's Lisa in bed with her, just before a nap.