Norma Andrews Obituary

Norma Andrews (nee Seehausen) Calumet City, IL Norma Andrews, born Norma Dell Seehausen, passed away on Monday, March 12, 2007, at St. Margaret-Mercy Hospital in Hammond, after a courageous struggle with an only recently discovered illness, her two sons and best friend at her side. Norma was born in Calumet City, Illinois, on July 31, 1923, to Emil and Louise (Reuter) Seehausen. She was a baptized member of St. John Lutheran Church, School, all in Calumet City, each institution providing her with her many friends and fond memories to her last day. During WWII Norma worked as a secretary at the Screw Conveyor Corporation in Hammond, Indiana, but later found her calling at the Edward C. Minas Company in Hammond and at River Oaks in Calumet City, working for many years in women's wear sales, where her sense of style, color, and coordination gave her great pleasure in assisting many mothers and daughters in selecting fashionable wardrobes. Her innate artistic sense was clearly evident in her beautiful penmanship and hand-crafted cards, and in her exquisite gift wrappings sent to family and friends on all holidays and memorable occasions, or merely to say she was thinking of you. Her first marriage of 15 years to Allan Franke failed in 1960 under the strain of caring for her parents, especially her ill mother, Louise, the demands of two young children and especially the temptations of alcohol, not then known as now to be the nation's most prevalent drug addiction. Her second marriage was froth was discord, but ended in mutual sobriety with her second husband, Boyd, in their decision to embrace the tenants of Alcoholics Anonymous. She became an example to many in A.A. and often led meetings at St. Victor Church in Calumet City, IL. Later she embraced the precepts of Naturopathic Medicine and Vegetarianism in her successful struggles with both cigarette smoking and coffee caffeine addiction. She actively studied the many benefits of holistic and alternative health practices, which she and all considered to have helped prolong and greatly improve the quality of her life. Once again, her artistic sense led to beautiful table settings of vegetarian cuisine, which all so enjoyed and benefited from. Including many dog and cat pets that recovered from their infirmities on her more natural, home-cooked meals. Norma was preceded in death by her parents; sisters: Pearl and Betty Lou Seehausen; her first husband and father of her two children: Allan F. Franke, of Calumet City, IL; her third husband Fred Andrews; and among her many companion pets: Puddy, Golder Boy and Lucky. Norma is survived by her son, David M. Franke of Calumet City, IL and Dennis A. Franke (Hanna) of Cross Plains, WI; and her very closest and dearest friend, Corinne Mischke of Calumet City, IL. Also her second husband, Boyd E. Coudriet of Sebring, FL. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 22, 2007 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Castle Hill Funeral Home, 248-155th Place, Calumet City, IL; with Pastor Warren Mandel of St. John Grace Church (South Holland, IL) presiding. Her ashes will be buried next to her parents and sisters at Concordia Cemetery in Hammond, IN at a date to be announced later. Her struggles to the challenges of this earthly life serve as a model to others who have known her over the years, and we who remain know she will find the peace of mind and soul she had been searching for at the hand of the Lord in the Kingdom of the Almighty. For further information please call 708-862-4480 or visit www.castlehillfuneralhome.com for online guestbook.

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Published by The Times from Feb. 22 to Mar. 22, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Norma Andrews

1 Entry

Bridget Baker Pawlak

March 21, 2007

David and family,

I just learned of the sad news that Norma passed away. I recently tried contacting her to tell her the sad news of my mother's death, but was unsuccessful to reach her by phone. My mom, Diane Baker, passed away on December 27, 2006 after an eight month battle with Burkitt's Lymphoma.

I know how saddened Norma was when my mom's sister, Ginny, died back in 1994 from colon cancer. Norma always loved us, grandpa Fred's family, as her own. I too always loved Norma, step-grandmother for a time, and have wonderful memories and photos of her.

I can remember when she used to bring me candy from Minas' in River Oaks Mall. I also remember a lovely bangle bracelet she bought for me one Christmas that I cherished as a young girl. Some other moments I remember were visiting her in Beecher at her and grandpa Fred's home. I loved her cats; specifically the grey cat named Margaret.

I recently drove around Beecher searching for Uncle August's farm and that old Beecher home. I actually knocked on the door of that old home and became friends with the current owner after I told her of my memories there as a child! I have many wonderful, warm memories of Norma, David, as well as the cats and cows out in the country! Oh, and the earth worms. I've never seen anything like it since.

I also have fond memories of you David. I especially remember how much my little sister, Natalie, adored you. Remember how she would cling to you like a koala bear? Those were precious times in our family growing up.

I espeically remember how beautiful Norma was inside and out. With her tan skin, sexy legs and red hair. Not to mention her gorgeous clothes and fragrant perfumes! She was so tender and sweet. I used to love when she'd come over. She always gave me so much love and attention. Kids never forget that!

Although we separated as a step family after her divorce from grandpa Fred, I always kept in touch with her with holidays cards. Unfortunately, this past year there weren't any cards because of my mom's illness/death. But I always wanted Norma to know I was thinking of her.

David, may you and your family find peace in knowing that my mom is up in heaven, greeting Norma to the after life. They are probably having coffee talks like when I was little. Enjoying moments of laughter and peace from their illnesses! And they are probably surrounded by cats and dogs, as my mom too loved animals.

We found some old notes/cards that Norma had written to grandpa Fred when he cleaned out his house after his death. If you and your family would like them, or perhaps copies of photos of her while in our lives, I'd be happy to share them with you. God bless you and your family during this difficult time. I often think of you all and our good times together.

Love,
Bridget