Norma Jean Abbott

Norma Jean Abbott, 89, of Iowa City, passed away, Friday, August 22, 2025, at Lone Tree Health Care Center surrounded by family. Private burial will be held at Oakland Cemetery, Iowa City. Celebration of Life will be held from 2-5 PM, Saturday, August 30, 2025, at The Kirkwood Room, 515 Kirkwood Avenue, Iowa City. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Moments Hospice.

Norma was born on July 9, 1936, at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA, the daughter of Emil and Francis (Kolek) Reyhons. She grew up in Mount Vernon, Iowa and graduated from high school in 1954. Norma graduated from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in 1957; first working in the Intensive Care Unit, becoming head nurse from 74-76. She then worked in Surgical Outpatient and was head nurse from 1984-87. Norma retired in 1998 after 41 years, she continued to volunteer until 2014, making it over 60 years she was a part of Mercy Hospital.

Norma was united in marriage to Thomas "Tom" Abbott on July 31, 1976; he preceded her in death on August 3, 2020. They enjoyed travelling to Hawaii, Norma was an avid gardener and loved spending time with her family.

Norma is survived by her son, Craig (Tami) Westfall of Iowa City; step-son, Todd Abbott of Cedar Rapids, IA; four grandchildren, Tiffany (David) Tafolla of Omaha, NE, Renee MacDonald of Iowa City, Ian (Samantha) Westfall of San Pedro, CA, and Dean Westfall of Kilkenny, MN; seven great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Bailey, Audrey, Cash, Lola, Leo and Lucy; and many nieces and nephews.

Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Tom; parents, Emil and Francis Reyhons; two sons, Kevin and Robert Westfall; siblings, Roger (Lou Ann) Reyhons, and Marcia (Bob) Lehr; and mother-in-law, Florence Abbott.