Norma L. James' Obituary
Beloved Mother and Grandmother, Norma Lorraine James (81) of Tucson Arizona, died peacefully on March 10, 2018. Born March 25, 1936 in Allentown PA, she is predeceased by her parents, George and Norma Hassler (Wadsworth) of Allentown PA, and her daughter Kerry James (45) of Tucson, AZ.
Norma grew up in Allentown PA and married Donald James, on Valentine’s Day in 1958. They remained married for 33 years. Norma received her RSA/Cambridge CTEFLA followed by graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts from Tucson University.
Norma believed in pursuing her interests with passion, starting with breeding and showing purebred Persian cats, one of which was “10th best“cat in the United States. After a move from Pennsylvania to Arizona she and Donald founded the Twice as Nice stores. After retiring from her business life, she taught English as a Second Language in both China and Korea. She hosted many exchange students over a 25 year span, developing valued lifelong friendships. She was dedicated to sponsoring international students, working closely with the International Friends organization at the University of Arizona. This included registering her home as American Culture House, to assist exchange students with acclamation to life in the United States.
Norma was very social and loved any opportunity to spend time with friends and family. She enjoyed going on long walks, doing puzzles, and was an avid reader. Norma never missed an opportunity to go out for ice cream. The way to her heart was through a box of chocolates, chocolate covered raisins, cookies, lemon meringue pie…..mom loved her sweets.
Survivors include her two daughters, Andrea Robins of Tucson, AZ, Dana Love (Kenneth) of Saint Joseph, MO and son, Michael James (Vicki) of Tucson, AZ. Norma is also survived by three grandsons; Jesse James, Justin Toth, and Shaun Robins; five granddaughters, Jennifer Ward (Ryan), Shannon Robins, Sadie, Kendell, and Allison Love; three great granddaughters, Raegan Ward, Kerry and Evelyn Toth; and one great-grandson, Justin Toth Jr.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to International Friends, in care of Robert Woerner, 295 N. Via Del Ciruelo, Green Valley, AZ 85614.
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