Norma Needham

Norma Inga (Hoibroten) Needham

Norma Needham, 88, passed away April 13, 2025. She was born Oct. 17, 1936 in Towson, Maryland. She graduated from Maryland State Teachers College at Towson (now Towson University) and taught in early elementary grades.

In Baltimore, she met the love of her life, Larry Needham. They married and settled for life in Beverly Hills, Michigan, where they raised two children, Bob and Karin. She took a break from education while her children were growing up, but eventually returned to the classroom as a valued and beloved teacher's aide. She was also active in supporting Special Olympics.

Aside from her family and education, her primary passion was gardening. She transformed their yard into a colorful and peaceful oasis, which brought her great joy. She was a treasured friend and neighbor to those on her block. She was a dedicated and skilled cook, and she was also active in Lutheran churches in the area.

She is survived by her children, Bob (Kim) of Ann Arbor and Karin (Ken) Jay of Clarendon Hills, Ill.; her grandchildren, Ryan (Peyton) Jay, Colin Jay, and Kevin Jay; and her step grandchildren, Stephanie Elanges and Stevie Elanges. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 26, at Lutheran Church of the Master, 3333 Coolidge Highway in Troy, with visitation preceding at 10:30 a.m. and a luncheon following at the Community House in Birmingham.