Norma Jean Heaston

NORMA JEAN HEASTON DEC 3, 1929 - NOV 11, 2010 Passed away peacefully on November 11, 2010 at Memorial Hospital. She was 80 years old. Norma was born in Newman Grove, Nebraska on December 3, 1929 to Velma and Norman Schmitt. She and her family moved to Modesto and joined the Church of the Brethren where she met her loving husband, William Heaston. They were married 61 years, and they had one daughter, Dianne Merenda, son-in-law, Ray Merenda, and grandson, Scott, who Norma adored. Spending time with her family was what she loved doing most. Norma worked as a commercial seamstress for 30 years making cannery aprons and other plastic items for Canners Supply. For nearly 40 years, every Memorial Day weekend Norma would feed the hungry handball players at the SOS Club. She was known as The Sandwich Lady,'' because she would make over 400 sandwiches for the tournament. She had many wonderful friends that she enjoyed over the years, and she was never a stranger to anyone for very long. She always struck up a conversation, that was just her caring, good-natured way. Her smiling face and love for life will be sorely missed. Private interment at Santa Nella National Cemetery. A Memorial Service will be held on November 22, 2010 at 3 P.M. at the Church of the Brethren, 2301 Woodland Ave., Modesto. www.modbee.com/obituaries