Norma Brenner

All who knew Norma Brenner would agree that she was one of the sweetest people around. She was thoughtful and kind, the sort of person who could see the good in everyone. Norma offered her unconditional love to so many within her reach, and it was with the love of her life by her side that she experienced so many of the best things that life has to offer. A more devoted mother would be hard to find as she lived to selflessly nurture her children, but Norma just may have argued that being a grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother was her richest reward. With an unwavering faith as her constant companion she did what she could to help those around her in ways both great and small. Life will never be the same without Norma here, but her legacy will live on in those who follow her.

The 1920s were a time in our nation’s history that saw innovation that fueled times of great change while prosperity was the dominant force. Broadway was at an all time peak, baseball drew crowds to the ballpark like never before, and dances like the Shimmy and the Charleston were the latest craze. It was amidst this vibrant time that a young couple from Niles, Michigan, was overjoyed to announce the birth of their baby girl on September 24, 1929. Norma Josephine was the older of two girls born to her parents, Everett and Margaret (Wynn) Grinage, and she was raised in the family home in the Martin area alongside her younger sister, Linda. Her parents were both farmers, and her father also worked as an auctioneer and for the paper mill in Otsego while her mother worked as a cook at Western Michigan University.

In many ways Norma experienced a childhood that was common for the youth of her generation. She attended schools in Martin where she was a cheerleader. Norma also played the piano during her formative years. She graduated in 1946, which was a year earlier than expected as she was a very bright student.

Not to be forgotten during Norma’s years in high school was her introduction to the young man who stole her heart. His name was Ray Brenner, and he played football at Martin High School. After Norma graduated from high school she jot a job at the local pharmacy in Martin. She continued to date Ray, and it wasn’t long before the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to build a life together they were married on October 19, 1949, in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hopkins, which would become their church home throughout the rest of Norma’s life. Through the years seven generations of their family attended this church.

Life truly began for Norma when she and Ray were blessed with their first of five children, Jim. He was later followed by Jan, Julie, Joy, and Ray. After the children grew and moved out of the house, Norma adopted a West Highland Terrier named Sparkie who became a member of their family. From the moment she became a mother Norma fully embraced her new role. She focused her attention on caring for their children and also helped out on the farm as needed. Norma was a fantastic cook who also had a huge garden and did a lot of canning. Her cooking skills served her well when she had to feed all of the children and take food to the fields for the field workers. If that wasn't enough, she also organized food for the fair when five of her children were in 4H. Norma was a tireless worker, imagine keeping all of her children's show clothes clean each day at the fair. Once her children were grown Norma began working as a mail carrier for the post office where she remained until she retired after more than 20 years of service.

Through the years Norma’s life was enriched in so many ways. She traveled extensively with a couple of her more memorable trips including the ones she took to Africa and Acapulco. Norma was a avid reader from the time she was a young girl. She also played bingo, did crossword puzzles, loved watching game shows, and bowled on a mixed league with her husband. Norma was a University of Michigan fan and also enjoyed fishing especially her fishing trips to Canada.

The list of things to appreciate about Norma is extensive. Her love for her family was unmatched, and she was never happier than when they were gathered around. Every holiday Norma’s house was the place for the whole family to gather, making priceless memories that have become true treasures. Norma was both loving and kind, always willing to give to those around her in any way she could. She was never one to gossip about others and could always see the good in everyone. Norma was intelligent, but she was also perceptive, and as her kids discovered you couldn’t ever really get anything past her either!

With a life that spanned times of great change around her, Norma Brenner created a brilliant mosaic of memories that will be a treasured keepsake for generations to come. She was blessed to spend nearly 63 years with the love of her life, and together they exemplified what marriage is truly intended to be. Norma’s love for her family was unmatched throughout her life, her selfless devotion something that provides us all with much to aspire for. She will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

Norma Josephine Brenner died at Bronson Methodist Hospital on Friday, September 14, 2012. Norma’s family includes her husband, Ray; children, James (Debra) Brenner of Shelbyville, Janice (Steve) Johnson of Bokchito, OK, Julie Spencer of Shelbyville, Joy Brenner of Shelbyville, and Raymond (Sarah) Brenner of Shelbyville; sister, Linda (Les) DeJong of Comstock Park; aunts, Valma Critchfield of Paw Paw and Dorothy Wynn of Victoria, Texas; 17 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and another great granddaughter on the way, and 1 great-great granddaughter. Visitation for Norma will be held from 4:00-8:00 p.m., Monday, September 17, 2012, at Life Story Funeral Home; 120 S. Woodhams St., Plainwell, Michigan. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 18, 2012, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 2906 24th St., Hopkins, Michigan 49328. Memorials may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.