Norma Jean Greider

Norma Jean Greider

Artist

Nov. 27, 1923-Oct. 2, 2010

Norma was born at Swedish Hospital in Brooklyn NY, to Isabelle (Kehm) and Ed Harling. She received her Fine Arts degree from Pratt Institute in New York City, and went to work in the art department at Cond‚ Nast, where she drew for Vogue magazine, Vogue Patterns and advertising art for Gimbels and The May Co.

She married Eugene Greider, M.D. and they moved to the Bay Area in 1952. She produced paintings, prints, collages, computer graphics and pique assiette while raising four children, and was active in the Santa Clara County Medical Society Auxiliary. She and Gene traveled to wild places like Papua New Guinea, Brazil, Africa and Afghanistan, and she documented the trips in wonderful sketchbooks. Norma's outgoing nature extended across cultural boundaries; she made friends everywhere, but always loved returning to her Los Altos home of over 50 years. She retained her wit and humor until the end.

Norma died peacefully of pancreatic cancer, with family at her side in her favorite room, surrounded by her pink and green artwork. She was predeceased by her beloved Gene, and is survived by children Cheryl Bradkin (Bill) of Whidbey Island, Wash.; Brett Greider of La Selva Beach; Buff Greider, M.D. of Los Altos; Laurey Greider (Tom Carter) of San Rafael; and grandchildren Lisa Bradkin, Sebastian and Byrne Greider, and Hallie, Muriel and Grant Carter.

At her request, there will be no services. Friends will think of her whenever they see a watermelon slice.