Norma Rae Andersen
May 22, 1929 – October 12, 2023
Norma (Johnson) Andersen passed away peacefully on October 12, 2023, in Blaine, surrounded by her loving family. Norma was the matriarch, Mom, “Gram,” and the rock of our family.
Norma was born in Lane County, OR, on May 22, 1929, to Lyman and Eva Johnson. She was raised in Sheridan, OR area with her brother Kenny Johnson. After moving to Blaine in 1967, Norma spent time working in her beloved community at the Forest Grove, International Café, and the Reef in Point Roberts with the good ole boys and she had the stories to prove it. Norma married the love of her life Leif Andersen, in March of 1995 in between state basketball games in Tacoma. For years, Leif and Norma traveled to Seahawks, Sonics, and Mariners games together.
Norma’s greatest passion in life was her family. With five generations of family (including six children, 13 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren), there was no shortage of children and family to love. With her infectious smile and love for kids and babies, there were regular large family gatherings with an open invitation for all, including friends who became family over the years. Norma had many loves in her life including the Seahawks, playing cards, reading, knitting/crocheting, Jeopardy, and Wheel of Fortune. Norma was often seen in the stands at various sporting events wearing her orange and black, supporting all her “kids.”
Norma was preceded in death by her son Wayne Gudbranson; husband Leif Andersen; brother Kenneth Johnson; and granddaughters Staci Tavernier and Tara Parkes. Norma is survived by a large loving family: daughters Carol Collier, Linda Holley (Dave), Carla Parkes, Lois Acidera (Mark Williams), and Jerri Weaver (Jeff); grandchildren Tammy Tavernier, Scott Morgan, Heidi Ely (Claire), Derek Holley, Karen Marlowe (Jason), Brenda Reid (Kevin), Dave Parkes (Kellee), Cassie Acidera (Tony Meyers), Dylan Acidera (Hailey Lawson), Travis Weaver (Felicia), Tyler Weaver (Lindsay Martinez), and Tanner Weaver (Jazmine); great-grandchildren Greg Fetsch, Ashlyn Harbst (Josh), Masey and Avery Ely, Amie Holley, Madison and Ava MacInnis, Hudson, Harrison and Hatcher Reid, David, Prestyn and McCoy Parkes, Echo, Charlie and Radley Myers, Weslee and Kyrie Acidera, Kayden, Braiya Williams, Jaxston and Raelynn Weaver, Sawyer Weaver; great-great-grandchildren Tinsley Tavernier, Spencer & Walter Harbst.
A celebration of Norma Andersen’s life will be planned for a future date.
