Obituary of Norma Schanz

Norma Schanz Norma Schanz passed away on July 7, 2009 at her son’s home in western Lewis County. She was born on Sept. 27, 1936 in Brookhaven, Mississippi, but spent most of her childhood and raised her family in Richmond, Virginia. She led a rich and varied life, with stints as a stay-at-home mom, artist, free medical clinic director, and non-profit administrator. She moved to Lewis County in 1998 to live with her oldest son’s family. She was always active in whatever community she lived in, and was passionate about promoting civil rights and improving access to health care. While raising her children she organized PTAs, taught art programs in schools, and directed the religious education program at her church. After retiring she became active in the Lewis County Democrats, and organized a lively discussion group that continued to meet at her home during her final illness. Norma was a creative person who loved to read, write, paint, and sculpt. She was happiest with a cup of coffee talking with friends, writing letters, looking out over the ocean, or listening to the sounds of nature near her rural home. Norma is survived by her sons Rob (Shirley), David (Beth), and Eric (Laura), grandchildren Sarah, Ben, Rachel, Tessa, Helena, and Nathan, and brother Bob. The family will host a celebration of her life at a later date.