One Awesome Nanna!
Norma Jean… what a fun Mum and Nanna!
After a wonderful visit with Norma’s family I started to write the ceremony. It was clear she was greatly loved… I received emails from six of her adult grandchildren. I was privileged to read them. There were tears everywhere.
“Grandchildren can hold a very special place in the heart of a Nan… and Norma loved her grandies to bits as these next tributes give voice to.
Ethan wrote, I remember when Nan would always have the biggest smile on her face when we arrived. What I most loved about Nan was her sense of humour and warm and caring attitude. She made me laugh whenever she would crack a joke followed by her own contagious laugh. She would always give us an abundance of yummy food and always had ice creams on deck. I will miss her amazing sense of humour and warm and loving nature. She always offered a lot of love and care for my sister and I which I will cherish forever.
Tash writes, Nan, you were and are truly a strong woman. I’ve always been astonished by your strength, your determination to give so much to others. To love so deeply and live your life to the fullest. No matter what, you always found a way to laugh and find joy in the smallest of moments. And you did it always looking fiercely beautiful. Your hair was always perfection, makeup incredible and your clothes and jewellery always bright and shining. You inspired me so much to always take pride in myself to become a confident woman. All of your grandchildren were blessed to have the bestest Nan anyone could ever ask for… whether it was loud music, sneaky champagne or chicken and juice on the couch, you did it and we were beyond lucky for your love support and care. I’ll miss you forever and love you unconditionally to the stars and back. Thank you,
Shannon wrote, What I loved most about Nan was her flamboyance, colourfulness, and most of all her true authenticity. In the last couple of years, we became closer, I was able to share details of my life with her which she lapped up, and it lit up her eyes, like she was young again.
Lisa wrote, Reflecting on Nan’s life, one memory that stands out to me is how Nan consistently showed me such unconditional love. From the earliest days of my childhood, Nan’s love was a constant source of comfort and support. I recall how, as a tiny child, Nan would help me drift off to sleep by gently tracing pictures and letters on my back, which I had to guess. It was a simple yet incredibly intimate gesture that always made me feel safe and loved. When I became a mum myself, Nan’s love for her great-grandson Charlie was even deeper. She made him feel special and would love watching Charlie dance and perform in front of her when he was little. They’d also share special moments together when Charlie would show Nan funny YouTube videos which Nan was always surprised and amazed by that made her laugh so much. Also, her love for my husband James took a little while to catch on, and as the years went on, she welcomed him with love into her home. What I’ll miss most about Nan is the warmth of her presence and the sense of security she provided. Visiting her was always a highlight, especially when we would share conversations over a glass or two… or three of sparkling wine. In those moments, surrounded by her love and wisdom, I felt truly understood and cherished. I can’t put into words how much I’m going to miss you, but what helps me is knowing that you’re now with Pop, both of you looking over me and my family forever more. Your love will continue to guide us, and the memories we shared will live on in our hearts forever.
Rachy writes, My Norma Jean, I will always remember laying on your lap stroking my hair, telling me stories and falling asleep to the fairy stories you made up. The smell of your skin, the Oil of Ulan, your make- up bags I raided and you helped me put on blush and lippie.
The smell of trays of roast chickens fresh out of the oven and served in bowls with nanna’s juice. Set up the lounge with tea-towels and put movies on. At Xmas time: Quincy’s Quest.
The bowls of violet crumbles 🙂 lollies chips. Your kisses and hugs with the mwah mwah mwah. Your support, legacy of your strength within me and your great grandchildren.
I always loved you saying I was the cheekiest of all and always will be. My first warm whiskey and milk when time came for womanhood. Your love of life instilled in me, your yodels forever with me. I will look up day or night and think yodel lay hee, yodel lay, yodel lay, yodel lay hee, Love you Norma Jean, rest with Pop with the red roses. (And yes, I did try to yodel which made everyone laugh!)
Jodie writes, Dear Nan, It’s been a few days since you grew your angel wings and flew off into the sky. It hurts. It’s raw. Life as I know is going to be permanently different now that you have gone. I keep trying to fathom will it ever feel real to live in a world without you. You stayed with us for over a week, to give us time as a family to sit with you, care for you, and reflect on all the joys and laughs that you have brought us in our lifetimes. I could elaborate on these, for example the random farting, the throwing of your bag in the car and saying “get in there you bastard” and of course the funny stories about your life in the catering, but I’m sure all of us grandchildren will be writing the same things. You loved us all so deeply and we felt this love, we really did. I hope you knew how much you meant to me and how much love I had for you. In your absence we will realise the importance of the little things that made you you, and the times we will no longer be able to share, except in our hearts and mind. You are where you belong now, with Pop, the love of your life, Shirley, Harry and your mum and dad. I would love to see the party going on up there right now. That place will never be the same. Give Pop a big hug from me. I, hopefully, will be reunited with you all and until that time you will forever be with me. I love you so much then, now and forever. See you on the other side, my beautiful Nan.”
“You will remember Norma as kind and generous. She was the host and entertainer no matter where she was…’Move over, Norma Keays is here!’
It wasn’t all roses. She could be stubborn. It was often her way or the highway… and she could be impatient. Even HK said, ‘you’ll have your work cut out for you.’ She mellowed with time and was grateful for all your care.
You will recall Norma when you hear someone yodel, or watch someone do a jig, or when you sit down to have a piccolo, a Honeycomb Crunch, a barley sugar… or a glass of champagne. You can almost hear her ask, Where’s my bubbly? And, she certainly wouldn’t want you to be hanging around….’get out of here, the mob of you!’
I am sure you will raise a glass to her this afternoon and remember many more stories and funny things. I know you can all relate to what her dear friend, Gloria, said, ‘Jeez, we had some good fun!’
Norma was a woman who enjoyed life and always had a ball!
And, you will miss her.
May she rest in peace.
