Norma Alice Pate

Norma Alice (Brummett) Pate, 84, of Monrovia, passed peacefully from this life a mere 22 days after her beloved husband Kenny, on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, while in the care of Miller's Merry Manor in Mooresville. She was born on September 21, 1941, in Allegan, MI, to the late Arza Norman and Geneva Alice (McCoy) Brummett.

She was a proud member of the Helmsburg High School Class of 1957, where a chance encounter on the school bus led her to meet her future husband, Kenny-the love of her life. What began as a playful disagreement over who would sit in the back seat quickly turned into a lifelong connection. The couple were married on June 28, 1958, and shared 70 wonderful years together, raising five children and building a life rooted in love. In school Norma played the saxophone and would tell stories about playing the accordion to her kids when they were younger.

Norma earned her associate's degree in nursing from Ivy Tech and found her niche as a compassionate LPN. She previously worked as a nurse's aid for Tender Care Nursing Home (later known as NHE) and worked at the Indiana Boy's School for several years where she retired. She enjoyed collecting dolls, kicking back to watch her soap operas, and spending time in her flower garden. She was a member of the Schwinn Bicycle Club, and played softball in Monrovia with her daughter, Katy, one summer

Always in charge, Norma's nursing instincts showed whenever one of the kids got hurt while playing outside. The days often ended with everyone coming inside and gathering around the table, where the meal she made was always completely enjoyed and finished. She spent summers at Raccoon Lake, taking the kids swimming with a neighbor and making memories. She also traveled across the country with her own mother by car, creating special moments along the way. She was a loving, kind, and loyal woman-especially devoted to Kenny-and she wasn't afraid to put you in your place when needed. She was the rock that held the home together, always steady and dependable. She dedicated much of her time to her children, often serving as their chauffeur for athletic activities, always making sure they were where they needed to be.

"Google defines a mother as a woman who gives birth to a child, an important female figure in history. Grandmother qualities are compassion, empathy, and love. A nurse is a trained medical person who helps the I'll get better. Norma Pate had all of these qualities. She passed along the knowledge of how to make a house a home, how to sew by hand, and shared her secrets to a long-lasting marriage. She didn't mind telling you how she felt about a situation when you asked for her opinion. She was an honest woman filled with love for her family. Yesterday she joined her soulmate in heaven along with her mother and oldest daughter. In the past few weeks, she spoke about missing Kenny and about planting a garden at her son Dave's house with her daughter Anita. We know they are together, gardening and playing music together while watching over us all. Forever in our hearts, she will be deeply and profoundly missed". ~Amanda Pate

Norma's family would like to extend a huge thank you to Erika McKinney, the hospice nurse, for the excellent care she gave to Norma and Kenny. She is truly a one-of-a-kind nurturing soul who went above and beyond for the family.

Along with her parents, Norma joins her husband Kenny and daughter, Anita Jackson in the afterlife.

She is survived by her children, David K. Pate of Monrovia, Katy Pate of GA, James Pate of OH, and John Pate of Shelbyville; son-in-law, Scott Jackson of Rushville; brother, Norman Brummett (Kay) of Whiteland; grandchildren, Sean and Joe Hooper, Vicki Crosby, Amanda Pate (Dante), Andrew Pate, and Britni Harden (Cody); several great grandchildren; and her beloved cat, Buddy.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. Visitation will be held prior to the service on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 11:00am until a Celebration of Life Service begins at 1:00pm. Pastor Keenan Steinway will officiate the services. Norma will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband, Kenny, in Nebo Memorial Park Cemetery, Martinsville. To share a favorite story, send an online condolence to the family, or light a candle in her memory, please visit his tribute page at www.lightmemorial.com.