Ventura, CA
Norma was born on January 12, 1927 to Orville Beckett and Marjorie Smithson Beckett in Hollywood, CA. She passed peacefully at home on July 24, 2016. During her long life she was a brilliant student, a beloved teacher, a dedicated friend, and most of all, a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother.
Norma met the love of her life, Bob Johnson, in 7th grade at John Burroughs Junior High School in Burbank. They graduated from Burbank High School in 1945, married in 1948, and enjoyed a loving and close union of over 68 years. Norma and Bob both graduated from Occidental College in 1951; Norma began her teaching career at Culver City Junior High School shortly thereafter. She left teaching after four years to raise her two daughters, Valerie and Vickie, and returned to the classroom in 1971 at Jordan Junior High School in Burbank, where she covered such diverse subjects as English, math, and drama, always inspiring her students and forming lifelong friendships with her colleagues.
Following retirement and a move to Dana Point in 1983, Norma and Bob both taught for several years at St. Margaret's Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano. Norma was an extraordinary mother, and both girls fondly remember a childhood filled with love and laughter. She was involved in PTA and Ponytail softball, as well as being an amazing cook, seamstress, bridge player, Brownie leader, and loyal friend to all who knew her.
Upon the birth of their two grandsons, Norma and Bob relocated to Ventura, and Norma lavished her love on both boys as they grew up. Whether it was celebrating birthdays, cheering them on at countless sporting events, or cuddling up and reading a book together, she adored being their Nana.
Norma is survived by her husband Bob; daughters Valerie Johnson and Victoria Costigan; son-in-law Carl Costigan; and beloved grandsons Robert and Will Costigan. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. A celebration of her life will be held Monday, August 8th at 11:00 am at Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road in Ventura.
Norma's family would like to extend special thanks to Livingston Memorial Hospice Care for their loving treatment of Norma in her final days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to LMVNA, or to a charity of your choice.
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