Obituary of Norma Jean Jensen

Norma Jean Jensen (nee Liebert), 81, of Waukegan, IL was born on June 3, 1936 to Rudolph and Anna Liebert, and entered into eternal rest on Sunday, May 13, 2018 after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

In addition to her husband of 25 years, Wayne Childers, she was also predeceased by her son Richard Jensen; brother Bill Liebert; and son-in-law Bruce Anderson.

Norma is survived by her brother Fredrick Leibert; daughter Jodi Anderson; granddaughters Jennifer (Mario)  Demo, and Sarah (Tim VanderVere) Anderson; as well as 3 great-grandchildren Kai Demo, Lily May & Olivia VanderVere.

Norma was very active in her community.  Prior to her return to Waukegan, Norma and Wayne resided in Waianae, Hawaii.  She loved nothing more than taking long walks collecting papayas, mangos, and peacock feathers.  She especially enjoyed taking the bus into Honolulu for her activities.  A dedicated, hard working, energetic, full time volunteer after her retirement from the Waukegan Public Schools.  Norma has received numerous recognitions for her volunteer work.  Including the President’s Call to Service Award.  She gave many hours to Vista, Greenbelt Cultural Center, Habitat for Humanity, AARP, Lake County Council for Seniors, Park Place Senior Center, Queens Medical Center Hawaii (awarded by Governor Ben Cayetano, as an outstanding humanitarian) American Cancer Society Look Good Feel Better, Festival of Trees, Lake County Elections, Lake County Sheriff, Waukegan’s Citizen Emergency Responders, Elder Care, and Meals on Wheels.  She continued volunteering right up to her passing.  Other hobbies Norma enjoyed were cooking, baking, crocheting, knitting, sewing, watching football, watching hockey, listening to classical music, flower arranging, shopping, and gardening.

Norma had an unwavering faith in God.  She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Waukegan and Waianae, Hawaii.  Over the years she had become very involved with the church.  Singinig in the choir, ringing bells, coordinating and serving free meals, mission trips, and sharing her crafting talents at vacation bible school, to name a few.  Norma was very involved in the Little Fort Lions Club, where she was a recipient of the Red Carisson Humanitarian award, and also served as president twice.

“I would like to invite everyone to become a volunteer.  The rewards are more for the voluneer than for the person place, or thing you are volunteering for.  If anyone wants to bring some meaning to their lives, see me.  I can get you in.”  A quote by Norma.  As much as we wish we could see her again, this quote reminds us of Norma’s pure and helpful intentions.  Her life was well lived and she will be deeply missed by many.  Now that she is residing in God’s Kingdom, let us offer comfort and prayers to her family at Congdon Funeral Home in Zion, IL, on Monday May 21, 2018 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m.  A memorial service celebrating her life will be held the following day, May 22, 2018 at First United Methodist Church in Waukegan, beginning at 10:00 a.m. with visitation, and a service at 11:00 a.m.  Should friends desire, contributions may be sent to First United Methodist Church or the Salvation Army.