Norma Iverson

NORMA JEAN IVERSON of Longbranch passed away peacefully on JANUARY 16, 2026, just days after her 93rd birthday, with family by her side.

She was born In Chelan, WA. on January 11, 1933, to Alvin and Norma Thompson. She was the second youngest child born out of seven. She is survived by her older brother Kenny and younger sister Shirley.

She grew up in Lake Stevens and eventually earned her degree in nursing (RN) at the University of Washington. She was proud to be a Husky!

Norma fell in love with, and married Virgil Gordon Iverson in 1955. They had 5 children together: Wade (Deb), Bruce (Shelly), Lori (Kent), Paul (Missy), and Lynn Marie. Norma was a devoted grandmother ("Gramma Sugar") of 11, and Great Grandma to 17 children residing from New York to Hawaii.

In 1957 they moved to St Paul, MN. where she worked as a "mom" and as an RN while Virgil attended Bethel Seminary. In 1961 they moved back to Tacoma where Virgil was pastor, and she "pastor's wife", of Evergreen Baptist Church for 7 years. After Virgil joined the Army as a chaplain, she spent the next 27 years doing the Army Airborne wife job, managing a gang of 5 children and all the challenges entailed (Thank you for your service!). They moved to Germany, North Carolina, NYC, Kansas and Washington before settling in Longbranch to build their home in 1989. Norma worked as a Home Health Nurse for Pierce County and volunteered for the Mary Bridge Orthopedic Guild, amongst many other fundraising opportunities. She and Virgil attended the Longbranch Community Church and immersed themselves in the community.

After buying a sailboat (the "Godsfred", meaning "God's Peace" in Norwegian), Norma planned many day trips with all the details to make memorable moments for all aboard. Additionally, she and Virgil were actively involved with the Longbranch Improvement Club. They cherished the life they had here, and their home seemed always to be a landing zone and a refuge for family and friends. Norma was a recognized green thumb and chef of countless meals in the kitchen. She was notorious for her pies!

She was preceded in death by her husband Virgil (2019), her daughter Lynn (2023) and 4 of her siblings.

Norma will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Longbranch Improvement Club March 28, 2026 from 1-4 pm.