Cathy Norman was born September 18, 1947, and passed away peacefully Monday, July 31, 2023, with her children surrounding her.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Cathy was the second of six children born to Rev. John and Ruth Hess. They moved semi-frequently as the family of a preacher. The Reverend John was moved to a Methodist Church in Coshocton, Ohio, when Cathy was a freshman in high school. There she met her high school sweetheart and future husband Jim Norman. Cathy married Jim and received her LPN license on the same day, September 11,1966.

After vacationing on Siesta Key for multiple years, Cathy and Jim moved to Sarasota permanently with their three children in 1982.

She is survived by her three children, Lisa Ruth Klemeyer (Butch), Scott James Norman (Wendy), Josh Walker Norman (Jennifer); eight grandchildren, Anna Klemeyer, Kara Klemeyer, Lily Klemeyer, Cade Norman, Blake Norman, Julia Norman, Layne Norman, and Ryee Norman; her siblings…Carol, Cinda, Charles and Claire and numerous nieces, nephews and close friends representing all phases of her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jim Norman, her parents John and Ruth Hess, and her brother Craig Hess.

As evidenced by the outpouring of those who knew her, her warm SMILE, and GENUINE welcoming SPIRIT were gifted upon anyone who happened to be in her presence.

Her early nursing years consisted of the labor and delivery department and then night shift orthopedic floor (so she would be available to raise her three children).  Cathy spent the last 29 years of her nursing career as a skilled, compassionate RN in the home IV therapy arena.  She was always more than just a coworker and caregiver.  Primarily devoted to her work and family, she also had the outside interests of orchid growing, world travel with friends, Jazzercise, and constantly tending to her home and keeping outdoor areas ready for family and guests.

Cathy leaves behind a legacy of kindness and generosity and will be most remembered by her warm and genuine smile. She touched those around her with that smile, interest in their lives, and love. She took pride in caring for others, not only in her career, but also in her personal life, and especially for her children and grandchildren. Her close and extended family felt her generosity as her home was always open. Gathering at Cathy's for all occasions was a tradition known by many.

Grammie, as she was known by her eight grandchildren, was always available – from play days to attending various sporting events where she was a faithful fan, rides to school, sound advice from near and far, and everything in between. The connection she had with her grandchildren (Anna, Kara, Lily, Cade, Blake, Julia, Rylee, and Layne) was unmatched. Her lessons and light will endure.

She was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church of Sarasota and took great pleasure in volunteering for the church where she coordinated The Salvation Army Angel Tree for the past decade and also led a feed the homeless team for Resurrection House.

A Celebration of Life will be at First United Methodist Church, 104 South Pineapple Ave, Sarasota; Saturday, August 12, at 1:00 pm. The family will receive guests after the service at the church.  She will be laid to rest beside Jim in a family plot in Coshocton, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to Mote Marine or The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.