Norma Ann Redden

Norma Ann Redden was born November 19, 1933, and raised in Washington DC. This was four years after the stock Market crash in 1929. The family was poor just like everyone else in the nation. During this dire time in history, most families did not have modern conveniences. I believe Norma lived her life no different later in years. She did not waste or overspend unless she desired it. She always thought of someone else before herself. She was also a big tipper for services rendered. She knew about hard work. Her entire life was always trying to help someone. Family was always first. Norma had tragedies but has always said "She Was Blessed ". She lost her father when she was nine years old in 1942. I believe Norma regarded life as precious and always kept close to the family. Her brothers William, Buck, and Mo along with her sister Doris were always very close. They never moved far away from each other.
Norma got married at 17 to her husband Bill October 2, 1951. Together they had two children, Debbie in 1954 and Sam in 1958. Family and friends were always around for holidays and special parties. Norma evolved into the main cog in the family. Always helping when needed in some form or another. Norma and Bill cared for her mother Florence (Grandma to everyone) since 1968. Norma always provided for her mom, whether it be rides to bingo, special trips, or just a quiet place to live. They moved to Forestville, Maryland to buy their first home in 1966.
They raised their children in Catholic Schools and stressed education as the single most important thing. Catholic principles were also important to Norma. She prayed every night before bed.
She started work at 17 with the C & P Telephone Company as an operator. Her sister Doris and mother Florence also worked at the same job. The only time she didn't work was to have her two children. Her work effort was superior. She always felt she wasn't smart due to her lack of education. However, Norma retired with 33 years of service with the phone company. She was a lifetime member of The Telephone Pioneers of America and proud union member of the Communication Workers of America Local 2108.
Norma lost her husband, Bill on July 13, 1981, who died of a sudden aneurism of the brain. She was devastated but was the strongest woman you will ever know. Her faith in God pushed her through tough times. Norma still felt blessed for the time they had; just shy of thirty years.
After a few years, Norma started to volunteer at the VFW and American Legion to get out of the house and as usual help people. She kept in close contact with a few of the older generation of family. When someone was sick, she was always there for support. She was a member of the Cooties, dressing up as clowns and visiting old age homes and children functions.
Norma again met a special person in her life, Carl Hoffman. Norma knew Carl from work and the VFW. Norma called Carl to set him up with a friend named Jeanette. Carl thought Norma was asking him out. It turned out be a great relationship. He was the most softest, caring person for her. A true gentleman in every sense of the word. They travelled everywhere and she, again, said she was blessed to have two loving people in her life.
During this time, tragedy struck again when Norma's mother Florence was killed in a car accident Feb 25, 1989. Norma was also hurt with several operations and physical therapy.
Norma was always positive about bad things happening. She dealt with the pain and continued living life to its fullest. She spent time with grandchildren and great grandchildren at every event of their lives.
Norma and Carl moved from Forestville, MD to St. George Island in 1998. They travelled all over the world on trips with the local clubs. Visiting friends of Norma and Carl were always special to both of them. Norma always bragged about trips to Lewes, Delaware to see Carl's friend Jack Flaherty. Carl was a huge Redskin fan and baseball fan as well. Norma followed the games but didn't really have a favorite team. She would just cheer for the team you wanted to win. She also loved to dance and could cut a mean rug in her day. Music was always being played at the house when she was cleaning or decorating for the holiday parties. Christmas always took place at the Redden house. Family and friends as usual.
Tragedy struck again when Carl passed November 10, 2010. They had been together 25 years.
Again, Norma was devastated, but kept her faith in God. Norma lived the last 14 years alone on the Island. She volunteered at the St. George Island Improvement Association for several years. She loved the people and the island with all her heart. She didn't want to miss the sunrise on the water. She had too many friends to list and was loved by everyone. She lived life to the fullest. She has been to the depth of the water scuba diving, skiing in the mountains, numerous cruises, Cancun trips with the family, sporting events, and also loved watching her great grandchildren performing in sports and theater. In her words, "live life to the fullest and don't let the man get ya". She will be missed by all.
The family will be doing a graveside service on August 12, 2024 at 1:00 pm at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, MD 20623.
Norma is survived by her children Deborah Jean Windsor of St. Leonard, MD and Clayton William Redden (Sandra) of Hernando, FL; and her brother Charles "Moe" Roland Moroney (Rita) of Clinton, MD; her grandchildren Ronda Libby, Russell Windsor (Samantha), Robert "Clay" Windsor (Michelle), Ryan Redden (Brittney) and Dana Ruhe (Jeremy) and great grandchildren: Austin Libby (Morgan), Garrett Libby (Elizabeth), Lilly Windsor, Aaron Windsor, Wyatt Libby, Shane Windsor, Abby Windsor and Roman Redden and her Great-Great Grandchild, Harper Libby and many extended family and friends. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her husband Clayton Willard Redden, her sister Doris Virginia Moore and her brothers, William "Bill" Webb Moroney and Franklin "Buck" Moroney.
Serving as pallbearers will be Austin Libby, Garrett Libby, Aaron Windsor, Wyatt Libby, Shane Windsor and Roman Redden.
In lieu of flowers please send donations in Norma's memory to the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, 29449 Charlotte Hall Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Condolences may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.