Norma Agard

The greatest teachers are the ones who never stop learning, and for Norma Agard, life itself was a classroom, always filled with new knowledge. For 88 years, Norma was a curious and energetic student in this classroom of life. Through her words and her example, she passed on the many lessons that she had learned, to her children, her grandchildren, and of course, her students.

1919 was a time of progress for our country, especially in the area of education. In 1919 the Progressive Education Association was formed, aimed at “reforming the entire school system of America.” Norma Agard was born into this time of education and reformation, a fitting prelude to her life as an educator.

Born on October 25, 1919 in Fremont, Michigan, Norma was the first of Harry and Gertrude (Rockel) Hewitt’s four children. She later became big sister to Marie, Harry and Bill. Moving to Muskegon, for a while, the family lived on Jackson Hill and then moved to North Muskegon. When it was time for school, Marie, Harry and Bill always seemed to be late, but not Norma. She was always on time. Also particular about how she looked, she would even check behind her sister’s ears to make sure they were clean. She expected others to be as proper as she was.

One day a family friend, Mildred Bird, showed Norma how to play scales on the piano. Even though the family did not own a piano, Norma remembered all that she had been taught and would tap out the scales on the kitchen table. She would later become an accomplished pianist, playing for many organizations. She was very involved in school activities and graduated from North Muskegon High School in 1937.

On evening, while attending a dance at the Dalton Grange Hall, she met a young man named Russell Agard. Norma, however, was there with another fellow. But the sparks flew between Norma and Russell and after dating for a year and a half, they were married on August 30, 1940 in Muskegon.

Norma and Russell were the proud parents of four wonderful children – sons Ken and Hans, and daughters Judy and Janice. To support his family, Russell owned and operated Agard’s Lawn and Garden. When not caring for the children, or teaching piano lessons, Norma would help out when she could. The family enjoyed spending time together and frequently vacationed at a cottage on Blue Lake, north of Muskegon. At home, they had a garden, growing, among other things, beans. The kids hated picking the beans and to this day none of them have beans planted in their gardens.

As the children grew, Norma found more time to play the piano. She played with a lot of different bands, accompanied solo and ensemble groups, and on occasion, even played with the Westshore and Grand Rapids Symphonies. The weather never stopped Norma. If she had an engagement, she was there, rain or snow.

Russell’s health began to fail and Norma was now spending most of her time caring for her ailing husband. Sadly, her beloved Russell passed away in 1975. As devastated as she was, Norma knew that life must go on. With education always an important part of her life, she went back to school and received her teaching degree from Grand Valley State University.

Starting a new chapter in her life, Norma began teaching Special Education for Muskegon Public Schools, teaching at Glenside and South Shores. For the next 18 years, she shared her love of life with her students, retiring in 1988.

Norma had been a role model all her life, from way back when she used to check her sister’s ears. It was important to her that people wrote with proper grammar and spoke with an excellent vocabulary. But this didn’t mean that she was without a sense of humor. She was witty and fun-loving and willing to try anything once. She loved to cook and especially enjoyed playing poker and going to the casinos. She was also a member of Unity United Methodist Church, a member of the Greater Muskegon Music Teachers Association, Eastern Star and the Muskegon Moose Lodge.

As prompt as Norma had been as a girl, things would change as she got older. For some reason she was always late to gatherings and appointments. Perhaps it was because, for Norma, everything had to be done right – even if it meant she would be late.

For the last few years, Alzheimer’s had been robbing Norma of the life she once knew. But when her grand children and great-grand children came to visit, the sparkle came back to her eyes and a lift to her spirit. She had also been blessed with the uncanny ability to calm the more combative Alzheimer’s patients, allowing the staff at the nursing home to care for the patients who needed them most. After a lengthy battle, Norma died at the nursing home.

Mrs. Norma M. Agard, age 88, died Sunday, May 4, 2008. Her family includes 2 sons, Ken (Kathy) Agard, Hans (Kathy) Agard; 2 daughters, Judy (Bill) Ross, Janice Agard; 8 grandchildren, Michelle Agard, Susan Agard, Richard (Leisha) Kidd, Brent (Kim) Ross, Janie (Tim) Mitchelson, Bryan (Casey) Ross, Corey (Jennifer) Agard, Kelly (Michael) Greeby; 9 great grandchildren, Rick & Zach Kidd, Blake & Lauren Ross, Abigayle & Kaleb Mitchelson, Avery Agard, Piper & Gavin Greeby. 1 brother, William (Dianne) Hewitt of Arizona; sister, Marie Pothoff; sister-in-law, Eleanor Ehrean. Mrs.Agard was preceded in death by her husband, Russell, in 1975 & brother, Harry Hewitt, Jr. Funeral services will take place Friday, May 9, 2008, 11:00 AM at Clock Chapel with Rev. Nan Bessemer officiating. Interment at East Dalton Oakhill Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Please visit Norma’s personal; memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book. Memorial may be made to Harbor Hospice or the Alzheimer's Association.