Leslie Norman Obituary

Leslie (Lollie) Norman

A very long goodbye.

Lollie passed away peacefully on December 11, 2016 just a few blocks from the Seattle hospital where she was born on March 16, 1941 to Harvard and Nancy Leavitt.

Lollie was a woman of many passions - theatre, dance (ballet a favorite), art fairs and artists, philanthropy, cooking, gardening (those geraniums), and small furry animals (Molly, Geoffrey and York the Cat). She treasured time spent time with close friends, but above all, she loved her family: husband Jack Norman; daughters Jennifer Gulrajani (Roger) and Wendy Norman and grandchildren Andrew, Riley and Cameron Gulrajani and Zach and Jake Barokas.

At an early age, she discovered classical dance and studied for several years, finally giving it up when she saw no short dancers in the ballet world. She loved Garfield High School (the diverse student mix, the talent shows) and co-chaired her class reunions. She also loved her time in the UW Drama Department where she taught classmate Bruce Lee some dance moves and turned in a "memorable" Bloody Mary performance during a South Pacific run.

Her on-stage experience was a benefit during her 30-year career in the apparel industry. It was never just a job. Previewing each season's samples and "performing" in her showroom brought joy to her life. She was respected by and had lasting friendships with co-workers, customers and interns.

Throughout her life, Lollie worked to help others which led to her involvement and leadership positions in several organizations including YES, City of Hope, Fashion Group International, and a variety of business and trade associations. Her focus was twofold: raising funds and providing resources to assist those in need and promoting varied educational experiences for students in the apparel field. To that end, she held several advisory positions with local schools and colleges. Lollie was a leader and a courageous spirit who embraced challenges that many others, and especially women, did not. Her legacy lives on through the good works done by her daughters.

In addition to previously mentioned family members, Lollie is survived by her mother Nancy and brother Rick Leavitt. Lollie's family sincerely thanks Kline Galland Hospice and Angelica, John and staff at Whispering Creek Adult Family Home for their compassionate care. Suggested remembrances to Alzheimer's Association Washington State Chapter and End of Life Washington.

If you were lucky enough to know Lollie, you knew a five-foot bundle of energy born with a mission to bring order to the world around her. Beautiful inside and out with a smile that could light up a room. Keep those memories alive.

She will be missed.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times on Dec. 18, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Leslie Norman

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4 Entries

Joe Berg

December 21, 2022

Yes. I painted signs for reps at the Seattle Trade Center for, and all the above is so true. What a remarkable spirit! She exuded and imparted joy.
I've been out of touch for many years, but I had a question I knew she would have helped me with, so I googled her. I'm delighted to read her story, and to celebrate the privilege of having encountered her in life. So sorry also, of course, to hear of her passing.

Rose Dennis

January 12, 2017

I met Lollie when we were both members of Seattle FGI. I admired her in many ways: her leadership, enthusiasm, professionalism, and her personal style. She was always beautifully dressed...head to toe. My memories even today of her are of great fondness.
My heart goes out to Jack (Joe), Jennifer, Wendy, and to her grandchildren. I am saddened by the long journey that you all endured.

Judy Parsons

December 28, 2016

I met and became friends with Lollie while working at the Seattle Trade Center. I enjoyed her upbeat personality and non-stop energy. She was a definite leader. She knew how to get things done, and saw to it that they were done. She had a heart of gold, always doing nice things for other people.
Even though I hadn't seen her for quite a few years, I still feel at a loss that she is gone. My heartfelt condolences go out to Jack, Jennifer and Wendy and families. She will definitely be missed.
Judy Parsons

Chris Doucet

December 22, 2016

Lollie was a dynamo--a petite bundle of spirit, style, grit and brains. I knew her through Fashion Group International. That organization would have failed in the mid to late 1990s without her determination and vision. I took over the reins from her as Regional Director and she was an impossible act to follow but she was always there to help and guide. Lollie was a role model for me and many younger women in that organization. She will be remembered as a mentor and friend and an unforgettable life force.

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