Marella Jean (Clawson) Norman, of Plainwell, MI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, in Allegan, MI, at the age of 91. Born on August 8, 1933, in Hopkins, MI, to Grover and Florence Clawson, Marella was raised with strong family values and a love for education.
A graduate of Hopkins High School, class of 1950, Marella went on to receive her teaching certificate at Allegan County Normal. She dedicated 34 years to the field of education, working at several schools throughout her career, and making a lasting impact on the children of Hopkins Elementary School, where she was teaching 3rd grade when she retired.
It was at Hopkins Elementary that Marella met the love of her life, David Norman, a fellow educator who taught math. Their shared passion for teaching brought them together, and they married on December 27, 1965, at the Hopkins Community Reformed Church. Throughout their marriage, they cherished their summers off by embarking on long vacations with Marella’s sister and brother-in-law, creating memories that they treasured.
Marella’s creativity and love of the arts were expressed through her knitting, quilting, and her beautiful organ playing. She will be fondly remembered for her gentle spirit, her love of children, and her deep devotion to education. Marella’s care for her students extended far beyond the classroom, and her influence will continue to be felt by those who had the privilege of learning from her.
Marella was preceded in death by her parents, Grover and Florence Clawson; her siblings: Grover (Helen) Clawson Jr., Louise (Clifford) Reynolds, Louis Clawson, and Robert (Ludy) Clawson. She is survived by her beloved husband, David; her siblings Gerry (Karen) Clawson and Loretta (Emerson) Wall; and numerous nieces and nephews, who will cherish her memory.
In accordance with the family’s wishes public services will be held at Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, 120 South Woodhams Street, Plainwell, MI 49080, with a time for visiting on Friday, September 27, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a funeral service on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Marella will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery in Orangeville Township following the service.
While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Marella’s guestbook and/or share a memory with her family.
The Norman family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 120 South Woodhams Street, Plainwell, MI 49080. 269-685-5881.
