Obituary of Norma Jean Lindquist
Norma Jean Stanifer was born on July 11, 1937, in Monroe, Michigan. She was the second oldest of five children born to Leonard Edward Stanifer and Helen Pearl (Zimmerman) Stanifer. She walked daily to a one-room schoolhouse before attending Airport High School, graduating with the Class of 1955. As a young woman, she was employed by Ohio China, working in sales. It was during this time that she learned how to wrap gifts like a professional.
Norma married Jack Calvin Lindquist Sr. on December 17, 1955, at the First Evangelical United Brethren Church. While Jack served in the United States Air Force, she moved with him making her home in California returning to Michigan to make their forever home the following year. She proudly cared for the needs of her husband and children as a homemaker. Norma worked as a cashier for Gruber's and Imo's Market in the 1970's and early 1980's. She also supported her husband in the family business, Lindquist Appliance, as a Bookkeeper and Secretary.
As a master gardener, Norma lovingly tended to her peonies, roses, and an array of other flowers, creating a picturesque oasis that brought joy to all who beheld it. Her green thumb was matched only by her prowess with a needle and thread, as she poured her creativity into crafting dance outfits for her daughters, fabricating each stitch with love and care.
Beyond her vibrant garden and sewing talents, Norma's commitment to her family shone brightly. Whether it was canning tomatoes, teaching her grandchildren to swim despite her own hesitations, or creating beautiful quilts for them, her devotion knew no bounds. Her lively spirit led her to the tennis courts at the YMCA, and her love of camaraderie found expression in the years spent playing cards with the gals of her cherished card club.
For many years she volunteered her time to Meals on Wheels. She was very active in her church serving in many functions including the Soup and Salad Luncheon and decorating the sanctuary throughout the year.
Norma Jean Lindquist, age 86, of Monroe passed away at 4:15am on Wednesday; December 27, 2023 at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital. She had been in declining health. Her passing was preceded by her parents; a son-in-law: Thomas Lee Barron; brothers: Gerald "Bud" Stanifer and Blaine Stanifer; a sister-in-law: Paulette Stanifer; and two brothers-in-law: John Urbanick and Marvin Lindquist.
To cherish her memory, she leaves her beloved husband of sixty-eight years: Jack Calvin Lindquist Sr.; four children: Lana (Dean) Schweinsberg of Monroe, Debbie Barron of Monroe, Jack (Kim) Lindquist II of Monroe, and Susan (Mark) Fields of Chapel Hill, Tennessee; a sister: Mary Urbanick; a brother: Bill (Sharon) Stanifer; twelve grandchildren; and nineteen great grandchildren.
Friends may gather from 11:00am until 2:00pm on Saturday; January 6, 2024 at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Her Life will follow at 2:00pm with Pastor Mark Duerr officiating. Cremation will take place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.
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