Norman Chamberlain

Norman Chamberlain knew what was important in life - family, friends and the joy of life itself. He loved his three children and eight grandchildren unconditionally, and many of his happiest memories in life involved the forty-seven years he spent with his beloved wife, Marian. Norman has a natural social talent that always left people charmed and smiling, and he was a good friend to the many people he knew throughout life.

In the year 1933, America found itself in trouble as the Great Depression pushed toward new heights. One out of every four individuals was unemployed. It was a hard and challenging time, but in Vincentown, New Jersey, Norman Chamberlain and his wife, Beatrice (Bishop), maintained positive spirits by focusing on a special blessing in their lives. On July 6, 1933, the couple welcomed the birth of their first child, son Norman. He was later joined by two brothers, Donald and Keith, who completed the Chamberlain household.

From his earliest days, Norman proved to be a very friendly and sociable child. He would ride around town on his bike and talk with everyone because he knew them all. When he was older, Norman began flying radio controlled airplanes, which turned into a lifelong passion and hobby of his. For education, Norman attended the area schools and graduated from Rancocas Valley Regional High School in Mt. Holly in 1951. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a radar operator while stationed in Washington and Canada.

Just after being discharged from the Air Force, Norman was out flying his airplanes when he met the father of his future wife, Marian Gsell. This then led to him being introduced to Marian, and the two fell head over heels for each other from the start. After a whirlwind courtship, Norman romantically proposed to Marian under the Bristol Bridge in their hometown, and they were happily married six months after meeting on December 31, 1959, in the First Presbyterian Church in Mt. Holly, New Jersey. Norman treasured this day among one of the greatest days in his life.

Two years after saying "I do", Norman and Marian welcomed the birth of their first child, daughter Carol, born in 1961. She was soon joined by her brothers, Norman Jr. in 1962, and David in 1964. For Norman, each of their births added yet another incredible blessing to his life and he made sure his kids knew they were dearly loved. Time together as a family was always important to Norman and Marian, and they enjoyed taking their kids to a friend's farm nearby, where they had a horse and pony for them to ride. They also had many great family picnics during the summer. Norman was giving of his time outside of his family also. He coached little league CYO baseball and was a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce. Besides being a devoted husband and father, Norman faithfully provided for his family as a Chemist at Rohm & Haas in Bristol, Pennsylvania, and later as Head of Toxicology at National Medical Services in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. During this time, he also took college classes at Rutgers University, which was instrumental to his work.

Norman retired in 1988, and he and Marian then moved to Three Rivers, Michigan to be near their daughter, Carol, and their two grandchildren. Over the next couple of years, the rest of their children moved from New Jersey to Michigan, which made Norman very happy to have his family together again. Every Friday night the whole family got together to play Pinochle, and Norman enjoyed golfing weekly with his family too. The one holiday that the Chamberlain family looked forward to each year was Halloween. Norman and Marian threw an elaborate party every year for over ten years, complete with costumes, popcorn, apples and cider, tractor rides and a bonfire. This party was so great that many relatives from New Jersey would come out just to be part of it.

Being retired, Norman had more time to devote to his hobbies and interests. For many years, he refurbished bikes and sold them in his front yard. After some time, strangers started giving him spare bike parts for his repairs. Norman was a big star gazer, and loved to look to space through his telescope, studying planets like Saturn and the moon, and photographing eclipses. He and Marian also took to the road in their travel trailer, sightseeing throughout Michigan. They eventually sold the trailer, but still traveled coast to coast. As a couple, they enjoyed working side by side at the Mott's Christmas Barn during the Christmas season for eight years, and they also helped their daughter Carol at "Sweet Annies" stores in Shipshewana and Crossroads Mall whenever they were needed.

Norman did not need great things in his life to make him happy. His family was the shining beacon in his life, and he was always in his glory when surrounded by the love and smiles of his precious grandchildren. Norman was immensely happy simply being a loving husband, father and grandfather to the people who brought his life extraordinary joy. He will be deeply missed.

Norman Thomas Chamberlain, age 73, of Three Rivers, MI, passed away Saturday, April 28, 2007, following a long illness. Learn more about Norman, view his life story film and visit with his family and friends on Tuesday, May 1, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, RDMG, 409 S. Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269-649-1697), where funeral services will take place the same day at 4 p.m. Members of Norman's family include his wife, Marian; his children and their spouses: Carol Chamberlain (Louie Grimm) of Mendon, MI, Norman (Tammy) Chamberlain, Jr., of Three Rivers, MI, David (Shirley) Chamberlain of Three Rivers, MI; eight grandchildren: Sandy, Andrew, Paul, Mary, Catie, Jason, Tyler and Emma; a brother, Keith Chamberlain of Florida; several nieces and nephews and his faithful cat, Noel. Norman was preceded in death by his brother, Donald, and nephew, Jeffery. Please visit Norman's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may leave a memory of him or sign his online guest book. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.