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BORN
1952
DIED
2015
Norma Hadland Obituary
April 11, 1952 - January 23, 2015
Santa Cruz
Norma Jean (Sandusky) Hadland, born April 11, 1952 in Las Vegas, NV passed with grace and dignity, surrounded by her beloved husband and sons, on January 23, 2015 after a brave two-year battle against pancreatic cancer. Norma and her husband George were childhood sweethearts that have adored each other since meeting in high school.
A long-time resident of Santa Cruz's Westside, Norma lived her life filled with bright colors, embracing a variety of cultures, loving the warmth of a sunny day and a gentle ocean breeze, and was always eager to participate in the promise of a new adventure. Those who knew Norma were drawn to her beautiful smile, sense of style and love of life. Throughout the many years, Norma and George opened their home to help wayward youngsters choose a better path, resulting in many lifelong friendships that continue to this day. Norma was an active member of Santa Cruz Neighbors and was recognized by former Santa Cruz Mayor Lynn Robinson in May of 2014 for her dedication to the local community. Norma especially enjoyed life by camping, boating and other outdoor activities with friends and family. Norma found joy in teaching water aerobics and made many close friends through her classes. Norma renewed her talents in court reporting later in life, working with local colleges by performing closed captioning for hard-of-hearing students.
Norma is survived by her loving husband George, sons Christin and his wife Christy, Jeremy and his wife Cheryl, four grandchildren, sister Carmen, niece Mary Deanne, and brother Gene (Juggins). She was preceded in her passing by her parents, Marcelina and Gene, and two brothers Stanley and Kenny.
A celebration of Norma's life will be held at the Louden Nelson Center in Santa Cruz on Saturday, Feb 7th with moments of remembrance at 2pm and 4pm. In remembrance of Norma, please wear bright colors and kindly consider a donation in Norma's memory to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at www.pancan.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Norma Hadland
Sponsored by santacruzsentinel.com.
Janine
January 25, 2025
Norma, my dear, dear friend. I think of you often and miss your smile and positivity, your strength and endurance to live life to its fullest. Truly an inspiration. So enjoyed having you be part of my life. Thank you.
Janine Figueroa
January 25, 2021
Missing you still so much, my friend, Norma. Thank you for being part of my life and letting me be part of yours. Thoughts of you remind me to keep the joys of each day close to my heart, Which is where you are. Janine
Christin Hadland
September 3, 2018
Hello all.
I just discovered these memories of my mom. So many kind memories, even from people I don't know. I had to chuckle at the No sugar lady, as I'd bury my head in my arm when we'd go out to eat. The funny thing is, she had the biggest sweet tooth of our whole family.
I miss her, but am so happy that she meant so much, to so many. She truly was an incredibly kind hearted person, but at the same time, was fiercely opinionated.
Love you mom.
October 4, 2015
what a wonderful person Norma was. She was my patient for many many years. She is greatly missed.
April 11, 2015
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NORMA!! You are remembered with lots of LOVE and friendship and memories of who we enjoyed while you were with us. Sending up prayers for you and yours...with LOVE, Janine
Janine
April 1, 2015
Hi Normie- I think about you a lot... Miss our email and text visits...hearing what's going on with you and what activity you're off to next! Miss our shopping excursions and luncheons! Miss our friendship and sharing thoughts and feelings and opinions. Sending love...
Miriam Moyer
February 8, 2015
I met Norma at the Garden Fitness Sports Center in Monterey in the late 90s. She was my water aerobics instructor and also the teacher that helped me become certified. I never forgot Norma. Then, I joined Santa Cruz 24Hr Fitness a few months back and found out that a water aerobic instructor there was ill and her name was Norma. It turned out to be my Norma from Monterey. What a gem she was; a truly remarkable human being never to be forgotten. I pray for your forward journey home and pray for your family as they will miss you terribly. I'm so grateful that we crossed paths in this lifetime. With Love...
Alan Mertens
February 7, 2015
Norma was a frequent guest at our Thai restaurant on the Westside. The staff would see her coming and call out "no sugar lady is here" since that was always her request.
She was very popular and we will miss her smile. Her attitude was always so positive and an inspiration to us.
A very nice person.
Lyn Mellone
February 2, 2015
I miss my friend from Las Vegas, my mentor and guide at Maranatha, and my Matron of Honor two years later. We supported and steadied each other when God pulled the rug out from under us all in the so aptly named Death Valley. And then we shared scriptures and the Word of the Lord in preparation for the scary step of moving to Salinas. I cared for you when Jeremy was born, carrying him around on my hip while I did dishes or prepared dinner, all the while talking to him, outside, and to Beth, inside! Once you moved to Santa Cruz, we lost touch, but I never forgot our early days. I rejoice knowing I will see you once again!
I wish your family every comfort in the knowledge that you will be waiting. I am thinking of you all . . .
Ben Wynn
February 2, 2015
Hello George, Chris, Jermey, Sorry to hear the loss of a good neighbor. Normas articles and comments were fun to read my wife would always find them.
Norma - I will forever miss your beautiful smile and love of life. I will never forget you my dear friend. XXOO
Annette-Marie Saiz
January 31, 2015
January 31, 2015
My Friend, you are deeply missed and will be in my heart forever. Thank you for being a part of my life and sharing your passion for life and joy with me. XXOO Janine
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