On April 3, 2023 Norma Jean Somers, 75, of Coloma, passed away unexpectedly. She was born in Goodrich, MI to loving parents Ralph and Lucille Zubke joining older brother Barry. Norma grew up on the family farm in Goodrich where she developed her love of animals - especially pigs. Active in every social club and sport in high school, she was most proud of her time in the marching band as a majorette - her baton twirling skills were top notch.
After high school she attended Western Michigan University to pursue a teaching degree and eventually met Doug, her future husband of 52 years, in calculus class. While at WMU she was an active member of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority among many other activities.
After college, Norma moved to Marshall, MI to start her teaching career and shortly after, in 1970, Doug and Norma married at Atlas Baptist Church in Goodrich, MI. She quickly found out teaching wasn’t for her but sales sounded interesting - she started out with greeting cards and eventually moved to software sales in the banking industry for over 30 years - retiring in 2009.
In 1977, Norma and Doug moved from Kalamazoo to Coloma where they purchased Island Park Resort, a historic hotel on Maple Island on Paw Paw Lake (Coloma). Many projects, remodels and additions were completed over the years to make it a family home. Shortly after settling in, they welcomed their first child Brian and a few years later, a daughter Laura.
Norma was very involved in the community, serving on the Coloma School Board for over 20 years, helping pass the Bond for the new Coloma Public Library, Watervliet Community Hospital Board and a leader of the Paw Paw Lake Restoration Project. She was also a member of the Paw Paw Lake Yacht Club, book club and ring leader for any reason to get together for a party or dinner. Heading up special social groups: The Rounders, Gourmet Club, Island picnics, Christmas parties, PPLYC nostalgic events, and more.
Norma shared a love of Italy with Doug, where they have traveled to for 14 years; she loved boating around Paw Paw Lake and spending time being creative with the mounds of fabric in her sewing room. Most of all she will be remembered for her love of family and friends and the joy she had in entertaining at her numerous parties and dinners, many Italian themed.
Norma, loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother and friend is survived by her husband Doug; children Brian (Lindsey) Somers and Laura (Jeff) Ginter; and two very special grandchildren, Addison Somers (9) and Jack Ginter (2), as well as her beloved dog Luca.
In lieu of flowers and to honor Norma for being a fierce supporter of women’s rights and her love of animals, the family requests a donation be made in Norma’s name to either Planned Parenthood or Al-Van Humane Society.
A celebration of Norma’s life will be held on May 7, 2023 in Coloma. Arrangements are being handled by Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Those wishing to leave an online message for the family may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com.
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