Norma Jean Malerich

Norma Jean Malerich, 95 of Glen Carbon, IL, formerly of Florissant, MO and DelRay Beach, FL, peacefully passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at Meridian Village Care Center in Glen Carbon.

Of course, if Norma Malerich could choose one word for you to remember her by, it would be Artist. If forced to describe her more deeply, perhaps painter or doll-maker. In truth, Norma's legacy is best described with terms like optimist, adventurer, and innovator.

Born in 1930 to John and Edna Krenzer, Norma Jean was a bright child and lovingly welcomed her brother Robert (Bob) at the age of 10. Ever ready for independence at the earliest opportunity, Norma attended Ward-Belmont College in Nashville, TN at the age of 16. Before graduation, however, Norma transfer to Millikin University in Decatur, IL and was off to her next adventure and married John W. Malerich. Best described with a paintbrush in one hand, and a child in the other, Norma welcomed her two eldest daughters Lee and Gail. By 1951 and 1954. John, Norma, and their two girls were on a lifetime adventure to Japan where they lived for two years. On a military base in 1957, Norma and John welcomed their youngest daughter, Nancy.

Throughout these years with young children, Norma could be found teaching painting classes with the Red Cross, leading Girl Scout Troops, and exhibiting in local art shows and Famous-Barr department store. It is without a doubt that by the time John passed in 1974, Norma's spirit had filled their days with enough excitement to last a lifetime, but Norma pushed ever forward. Norma had not put down her paintbrush but had found a new partner for her whimsies, Sidney H Katz, she gained two stepchildren Harry Katz and Barbara Katz. Between visits to China, Rome, Greece, France, Russia and to wherever their hearts took them, Norma continued painting and doll making, splitting her time between homes in St Louis, MO and DelRay Beach, FL.

In the 1990s, Norma began experimenting with her new Gateway computer, signing herself up for computer classes and challenging her home printer to print her computer-generated artistic impressions on fabric. She took the internet by storm, creating profiles on Fine Art America, Facebook, and Linked In, and beyond. Never one to be shy to a challenge or depressed at an opportunity, she'd remind her grandchildren to "just smile" and "have fun" through all of life's challenges.

Norma spent the 2000s with her companion, Russ Machan, exploring life on a houseboat (yes, you can fit an easel and still paint just fine) and appreciating a slower way of life in Amish country, Ohio.

Throughout every phase of life and every exploration of artistic expression (from dolls, to purses, to jewelry boxes), her happiness in paintbrushes and canvases dominated. Norma's legacy may be best defined by her prolific creation of art, and her mark made on the world through thousands of paintings of women, flowers, and landscapes hung on walls throughout the world.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands, John W. Malerich and Sidney H. Katz; a son-in-law, Kenneth "Kenny" Horton; and a brother, Robert Krenzer.

She is survived by her three children: Lee Ann (Glen Saborosch) Malerich of Neeses, SC, Gail Lynn Horton of Indian Trails, NC and Nancy (Wayne) Hubbard of Maryville, IL; three grandchildren: Braxton Evans, Brady (Daniel) Venables, and Mattie (Kyle) Kovacs; three great-grandchildren: Benjamin and Henry Venables and Luka Kovacs.

A committal service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at New Mt. Sinai Cemetery in Affton, MO.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and will be received at Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.