It is with great sadness her family announces Norma's passing on Friday, August 14th, 2020 at the age of 75. She had a big heart and touched many lives - especially her loving husband, Steve; son Ken (Cara) Sultany and daughter Stephanie Taylor (Robbie Coulter); her undying love and affection for her two grandsons, Andrew Sultany and Jack Taylor; her sister Beth (Terry) Ryan and brothers Aaron (Kathy) Hagen, David (Mary) Hagen, Donald (Nancy) Hagen; and numerous nephews, nieces, her extended family and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Ruth and Walter Hagen, older brother Ronald and her sisters Barb and Sara, and a niece Annie Hagen.
Norma grew up on a farm in rural SW Minnesota and graduated from Belview High School in 1962. After high school, she lived in Minneapolis and was employed at the BioMedical Library on the University campus where she met her husband. Norma and Steve began their life journey as friends for 55 years and their marriage of 53 years celebrated each year on July 8th.
Together they made their homes in northern CA, where son Ken was born, then on to Utah where daughter Stephanie was born. The Sultany Family settled in Escondido but also enjoyed living in Belgium and Tuscon, AZ where Steve had work opportunities. Norma and Steve were a good team and worked together to provide a loving home, wherever they lived.
Norma organized and gave her time to support and attend her children's school and church activities. She was a leader of her daughter's Brownies and Girl Scouts and loved being part of her family's activities and celebrations.
After raising her children, Norma attended Palomar College where she completed her Associate's Degree. Like other goals Norma set, she diligently tackled all the work and her graduation day was an exciting event as she celebrated her accomplishment with her extended family.
Caring for others, especially seniors, came natural to Norma. Her compassionate spirit was a true gift she shared with the residents at Casa de las Campanas, and other retirement communities. While in Tucson, she continued providing support to seniors, while starting her own Activities company. The residents loved her sweet smile, her kindness and her caring touch. Her gift of loving unconditionally, caring for those who had less or were alone, and her ability to serve others with an amazing spirit and a wonderful sense of humor was a gift Norma carried throughout her life.
The family has many fond memories of Norma's puzzles, card games, word games and her competitiveness in any gaming endeavors. She always prepared abundant home cooked meals at all family celebrations. During the last 10 years, her favorite past time has been shopping for her grand kids with caring gifts.
A celebration of Norma's life will be held on 14 November, 11:00am at San Marcos Lutheran Church in San Marcos, California.
Norms'a remans are now 'back home' in Minnesota where they were laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis on July 9th, 2021. Her location site is Section CC3, Row 12, Site 43B.
She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family and friends. In place of flowers, the family appreciates contributions towards Macular Degeneration Research. The family gratefully thanks the wonderful staff at Elizabeth Hospice for their devoted care during her last week of life.