Norma Mize

Mize (Metelski), Norma
83 passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 31, 2011, after a ten year battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was born August 14, 1927 in Highland, New York. She is survived by her loving husband of 14 years, J. Russell Mize, her four children; Mark, Mike, Sandi and David. She was a loving grandmother of Brandon, Leslie, Laura, Raymond, Aaron, Aric, Adam, Andrew, Michael and Katelyn. She was also blessed with seven great grandchildren. In ad dition, she is sister to Calvert, Augusta, and Elaine of New York. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Raymond S. Metelski, son, Ron and her sister, Frieda. Norma grew up in Highland, New York on a farm where she was the youngest of five children. Along with her three sisters, she attended Wagner Memorial Lutheran College on Staten Island, New York, where she earned her RN degree under the Army Cadet Nurse Program. While serving at Hines VA hospital in Chicago she met and fell in love with her patient and husband to be, Raymond Metelski, who was recovering from a bullet wound to the spine. They moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1951 and soon began their family with adorable twin boys. She was a loving, devoted wife and stay at home mother of five. Her tenacious, no nonsense style of raising her children created fine upstanding citizens. During this time she was a Cub Scout Den Mother, Camp Fire Girl Leader, and softball coach. Summers were a time for family fun at the cabin in Kohl's Ranch; filled with fishing and hiking. In her spare time she loved to garden, fish, hike, camp, knit and play gin rummy. She was an avid bowler and loved her night out to bowl a 300 with her team the Thunderbirds. Once her children were attending school full time she went back to nursing. Norma retired in 1993 after 20 years of faithful service at Good Samaritan Hospital in the Spinal Rehab Unit. She will always be remembered by her patients and their families for the tender loving care she provided. Norma was a longtime member of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church of Phoenix where she served in many capacities. She became a widow at the age of 48 and remained single until 15 years later when she met her present husband Russell Mize at church. He said she gave him her beautiful sweet smile and he was smitten. They enjoyed a wonderful marriage of 14 years as they came to know that life begins at 70. Russ has been a devoted husband and loving caregiver to Norma as she struggled with Alzheimer's. Norma will be sorely missed by all. Those who knew and loved her are comforted by the knowledge that she is at peace and at home with her God. Arrangements are being handled by Hansen's Mortuary where there will be a public viewing Thursday, June 9, 2011 between 5:00-8:00pm - 8314 N. 7th St., Phoenix, AZ. ( 602) 944-1561. You may send the family your condolences at wecare@hansenmortuary.com. Graveside Services will be held at the National Veteran's Cemetery Friday, June 10, 2011 at 9:30 am, located at 23029 N. Cave Creek. Memorial Services will follow the graveside service at 11:30am, Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, 5105 N. 7th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona, (602) 263-0402. Officiating: Pastor David Poedel Reception/luncheon to follow.Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to Share Your Care Adult Day Care in Albuquerque, New Mexico who provided fun social assistance and comfort during her last few years of life. P.O. Box 35101 Albuquerque, NM 87176 or shareyourcare.org (505)298-1700.