Norma Jean McLean

Norma Jean McLean died peacefully at home on September 10, 2023, following a fifteen-year battle with breast cancer. Born Norma Jean Browning of Columbus Ohio in 1950, Norma was the daughter of James and Ruth Browning. Norma is remembered for her laugh and sense of humor, active listening, deep connections with family & friends, her love of life and tenacity to live, and her selfless nature.

Norma enjoyed art, singing, music, theater, road trips, walks, and gardening. One of her favorite places was to be under her beloved oak tree in the garden feeding her squirrels and birds. At heart, Norma was a baker, who filled requests for her specialties year around, and a songwriter, completing her final work just a month before she passed away. Norma also loved to work, and devoted herself as an entrepreneur to an accounting and bookkeeping business for over 40 years that served nearly 100 small businesses throughout the Bay Area.

Norma's greatest love was her family. She is survived by her children Bill, Mike and Laura; their partners Kim, Anita and Dave; her grandchildren Sarah, Carrie, Jordan, Ella, William and John Dexter; her two siblings Lynn and Jim as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews; and her cat Samson and squirrels Little One and Stubs. They were her heart and soul.

If you would like to make a donation in her honor, please submit a donation in her name to the Oakland Zoo at www.oaklandzoo.org/support.