NORMA THERESA LABRECHE PENCE

With her loving family around her, she died peacefully on 4-2-2011 at Kadlec Regional Medical Center, Richland, WA. She was 80 years old. The daughter of Basil and Mary LaBreche, born April 11, 1930 in Hartford, Connecticut. The family moved to Portland, Ore., in 1946. She was married on March 31, 1951 to George Jackson Pence at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Portland, Ore. After several moves the family landed in Walla Walla, WA, in 1961, where they raised their 4 children, all who attended St Patrick's School.

Norma was a member of St. Patrick's Altar Society, past president of Catholic Daughters of America, VFW Ladies Auxiliary, and #287 Elks lodge. She and George were foster parents for many years, librarian for the school, religious ed teacher, and sang in the choir. She had a beautiful soprano voice and was a long time member of the Blue Mt. Chapter of the Sweet Adeline's, where her nickname was Twink!

She was a homemaker during her children's early years and later worked several jobs including Mutual of Omaha and the Walla Walla Migrant Day Care Center where she helped start WIC in the early 1970s. She loved music and to sing. She had an amazing relationship with the Lord that she shared with all her family. She was a woman of strength and inner beauty, a strong encourager to be the best you could be. She loved and cherished her family and was always the planner for family gatherings. She was a wonderful cook and always had something freshly baked to share with visitors. To be close to her girls, she moved to Richland, WA, in 2004, where she was a member of Christ the King Church. She volunteered for SausageFest every year in the Granny's Attic.

Norma is rejoicing in Heaven to be united with her husband George, son David, sister Irene, parents, great-grandchild ShelbyPaige and many loved ones who have gone before her. She is survived by her sister, Margaret Regan, Portland, Ore.; brother, Gerald LaBreche, Seattle, WA; daughters, Cynthia (Edward) Sams, Kathryn (Richard) Inglis, Barbara (Patrick ) O'Brien; grandchildren, Benjamin Inglis, Jennifer Reedy, Elizabeth Usselman, Christina O'Brien, Jessica Sams, Patricia O'Brien, Christopher Sams, Megan Sams all of Tri-Cities, WA; and David Richard Pence of Auburn, WA. She has 15 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King Church, 1111 Stevens Drive, Richland, WA 99354 or St. Patrick's Church, 408 West Poplar Street, Walla Walla, WA 99362.

Viewing and visitation Thursday from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m., Herring Groseclose Funeral Home in Walla Walla WA. The Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Friday at Herring Funeral home, 315 W. Alder Street. Funeral Mass to be held at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Churc,h 408 West Poplar Street, Walla Walla. Fr. Pat Kerst officiating. Interment to follow at Mt. View Cemetery garden mausoleum. Reception at St. Patrick's reception hall.