Norma Beth Hanlon

In Loving Memory of Norma Beth Hanlon, 79, passed away December 26, 2025, leaving behind a world made brighter by her creativity, curiosity, and generosity. She was born on January 16, 1946, in Wichita, Kansas, and met the love of her life, Tom, while they were both attending Kansas State University. Together they shared 58 years of marriage filled with adventure, laughter, and deep devotion.

Although Norma studied journalism, her heart belonged to the arts. She worked as a ceramicist, painter, and handmade paper maker, earning her MFA from the University of Minnesota in 1985. Creativity flowed through every part of her life-she expressed herself through art, quilting, knitting, poetry, gardening, and countless other forms. Norma loved learning new skills and sharing what she created with others.

Quilting held a special place in her heart. She especially loved entering her quilts in the Minnesota State Fair Creative Activities Building and took great pride when her work appeared in the front window-a frequent and well-earned honor. She also delighted in growing large night-blooming orchids, joyfully sharing cuttings so others could experience their rare and beautiful blooms.

Norma and Tom loved to explore the world together, always planning their next adventure. Skiing in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Florida with friends and family, and scuba diving in Mexico and the Caribbean were among their favorite vacations each year. All their travels together were filled with adventure and cherished memories.

Norma believed deeply in giving back. She volunteered throughout her life, including as a docent at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, a tour guide at the Walker Art Center, and with libraries across Minneapolis, including leading tours of the downtown library and volunteering at the Washburn Library book sale. She gave her time to the Minnesota Textile Center, made quilts for charity, and in recent years knit many hats for the Hats for the Homeless project. She was also a longtime tennis league member, part of two book clubs, and recently took up learning Mahjong-always eager for something new.

Norma is survived by her beloved husband, Tom; her children, Lara (Jason), Kirsten (Rob), and Sean; and her adored grandchildren, Emerson, Connor, Freya, and Milo. She is also survived by her brother, Steve (Nancy), as well as extended family, close friends, and her cherished neighbors from the Aldrich Block, whose lives she touched with her kindness and warmth.

Norma will be remembered for her boundless spirit, creative soul, and the deep love she shared with her family and friends. Her legacy lives on in the art she created, the community she served, and the many lives she brightened along the way.

A celebration of Norma's life will be held later this spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of the Hennepin County Library: https://www.supporthclib.org