Norma Jean Simonson

Norma Jean (Zimmerman) Simonson left us on December 22,2025. Born September 9, 1930, she lived a long and full life of work, love and play. She was predeceased by her husband of over fifty years, Charles Thomas Simonson, and her daughter Amy Paul. She will be remembered always by her living children, Beth (Bruce) Avolio, Sandra (Al) Moorman, Laurie (Tom) Bierce and Charles/Chuck (Erin) Simonson. She also held bragging rights to ten grandchildren, five great grandchildren and one great great grandson.
Norma spent her entire career as a Registered Nurse and met her husband when she nursed him as he recovered from a case of polio. Together they raised five adventurous children, often working three jobs between them. The house was filled with love and laughter, and Norma could often be seen chasing the kids around the house or even through the neighborhood. All would be screaming with joy. The family moved from early years in Cuyahoga Falls to Fairlawn in the 1960s and lived there until the children had all left home. Norma and Charles then moved in retirement to Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina.
Norma was a fierce, independent woman who held strong opinions. Although she shared those thoughts with her children and closest friends (often with a great sense of humor!) she tried to remain neutral in her interactions with others she encountered. She approached life with determination and a huge work ethic and expected the same of those around her. Her quiet hobbies included knitting, solitaire, bridge and reading. She shared many sailing and travel adventures with her husband and children over the years and said recently that her favorite was a river trip in Russia from Moscow to St. Petersburg. Among her fondest memories were time spent at the cottage her father built on Catawba Island where she took her five kids to the beach each day and sat with her girlfriends enjoying the sun.
Norma requested there be no memorial service and her ashes will be spread on the beach at a later date. She was and is loved and will be missed.