Norma Ruth (Lewellyn) Welsh

Norma Ruth (Lewellyn) Welsh

Norma Welsh passed away peacefully early Friday morning, November 24, 2017, just hours past her 91^st birthday.  She was quite ready to be with the Lord and once again see her beloved husband Jack, two years deceased.

Norma was a devoted mother to Susan (Marr), Indianapolis and Doug Welsh, Cincinnati.  She was loving “Grandmom” to seven grandchildren, who adored her.  Now there are eleven great-grandchildren.  She was also a gracious mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law to her dear ones’ spouses.  Many people in her life counted Norma as a good friend – from her many years in Indianapolis, to years in Bloomington, IN and Marco Island and Ft. Myers, FL, and during these last few years at Hoosier Village, Zionsville.

She was born November 23, 1926 in Sullivan, IN to wonderful parents now deceased, Harold and Belva Lewellyn.  Norma is also pre-deceased by her sister, Kay Goodwin of Ft. Wayne.  After graduating from Sullivan High School in 1943, seventeen year old Norma stepped on a bus to study and find work in war-time Indianapolis.  Completing secretarial training, she joined Indiana Bell’s typing pool and earned steady promotions to executive secretary.  In 1946, Norma’s roommate Mary introduced her to her brother, Navy and WW II veteran, Lt. Jack Welsh.  Three months later, their wedding began a 69 year journey in marriage and life.

Norma revealed many talent through the seasons of life.  She and husband Jack enjoyed each phase together – from the “young couple years” to parenthood and as the wife of a hard-working executive; but also in middle age, as she worked full-time to help start and grow the successful frim, JW Welsh and Associates.  After many years they sold their business to retire to The Pointe near Bloomington, IN, Marco Island and later, Ft. Meyers, FL.

Norma was also an outstanding athlete and golfer, winning many tournaments and accolades, but mainly playing to have fun with Jack and their many friends.  Family and friends knew Norma as a great listener and conversationalist.  Her children recall from childhood evenings Jack in the kitchen sharing a problem from a stressful day and receiving sympathetic, intelligent counsel.  She had the knack of giving any dear one or friend her full attention.  While in some ways a private person, Norma made friends wherever she lived.

Norma loved holidays.  She had a talent for setting a beautiful table laden with little figurines depicting the holiday.  Of course a delicious home cooked meal followed with warm family fellowship.

Every summer she and Jack would host their grandchildren for a week at a time just like her parents did for her children.  Each child was made to feel special and loved.  A grandson once wrote in a letter to her “I loved the way you were with me and didn’t do any work.  You talked to me and listened to me.”

A memorial service for Norma will be held at Hoosier Village on December 29, 2017 at 2 p.m. in the chapel.  Arrangements handled by Flanner Buchanan-Oaklawn Memorial Gardens.