Norma Jeanne Doleshal

Norma Jeanne Doleshal, 96, passed away Friday, March 13, 2026. 

She was born on May 7, 1929, in Kansas City, KS to parents Arthur and Helen (Coffey) Nelson. 

She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Dwight Nelson and Maxine Charles. Norma Jeanne was a stay-at-home mom until her boys were in college. At the age of 50, she began a successful career as Posting Manager for Gannett Outdoor Advertising. Her encore career of becoming a house mom for the Chi Omega sorority at University of Kansas was the highlight of her career until her final retirement at age 90.

 She enjoyed socializing with her friends, shopping, and traveling in every stage of life. In her younger years, she enjoyed her Bridge club, Derby Days in Belle Vista, and laying out by the pool. During her “sorority mom” years, she enjoyed organizing and decorating for special events and banquets at the house and KU basketball and football games. Rock Chalk Jayhawk! 

Her greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her sons, David (Teresa) Doleshal and Brad Doleshal; grandchildren, Kelly (Jeremiah) Leathers, Todd (Jen) Doleshal and Brett Doleshal; 4 great-grandchildren; special niece, Debbie Cunningham and numerous extended family and friends. She was known as “Mom D” to hundreds of Chi Omega sorority sisters. 

Norma Jeanne was a vibrant ray of sunshine. She was classy… a true genteel lady. She didn’t have a perfect life, but she met the hard times with a grace and determination that made her stand out above the crowd. She was kind to everyone she met and looked at the good side of every situation. She was loved and will be missed tremendously by all who knew her.

Norma Jeanne’s legacy will live on through the “Norma Jeanne Doleshal Symphony Award” academic scholarship established in her name by the Lambda Chapter of Chi Omega of Lawrence.