Norma A. Gwinn

Norma Ann Gwinn passed away peacefully on July 30, 2023, at the age of 94 in Ventura, California. Norma lived in Santa Clara County in all but the last two years of her life. She was born in Gilroy, California, to Ernesto and Erida Olivieri, and moved to San Jose after high school. A loving wife, companion, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Norma had a positive outlook on life, a good sense of humor, and a "glass-half-full" spirit. She was a true friend to many, always ready to lend an ear or a helping hand.Prior to retirement in 1985, Norma worked as the Deputy Clerk of the Santa Clara County Court System, Sunnyvale Municipal Court. Her dedication and hard work made a lasting impact on the community.Through the years, Norma pursued a wide range of hobbies and interests. She cherished her many friendships, both in the neighborhood and across the country. She particularly enjoyed her retirement years, indulging in travel, dancing, playing bridge, and entertaining. She had a natural talent for hospitality and was a wonderful cook, passing on her love of good food and recipes. She was a Lifetime member of the USS Indianapolis Legacy Organization, always willing to answer inquiries about her husband's role in the rescue of the ship's survivors. Norma will be deeply missed by her children: Don (Katie) Gwinn, Jane (Steve) Goodall, and Carol (Bart) Burnside. She is also survived by her step-children: John (Deanna) Gwinn and Kathy (Ron) Romero. Norma leaves behind a legacy of love through her 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren (plus one more on the way), and her siblings: Margorie (Richard) Heredia, Janice Renzo, and Ernest Olivieri.Norma was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wilbur Charles "Chuck" Gwinn; as well as her long-time companion, Sidney Safir; and her former spouse, Robert E. Gwinn. In addition to her parents, she is also predeceased by siblings, Delores Spence and Louis Olivieri.A Celebration of Life is planned to honor Norma on December 9, 2023, in San Jose, California. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions to be made to the USS Indianapolis/Gwinn "Angel" Scholarship Fund at 800 Cottageview Drive, Suite 1040, Traverse City, MI 49684, or to the Villages Community Chapel at 2500 The Villages Pkwy E, San Jose, CA 95135.