Norma Gold, 83

Norma Ann Gold, 83, of Elkhart, Ind., died Tuesday, March 15, 2011, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka, Ind.

She was born in Elkhart, the oldest daughter of William and Clara (Dunafin) Berry, on Jan. 26, 1928. On Nov. 3, 1959, she married John W. Gold. He preceded her in death Jan. 19, 1986.

She is survived by four sons, Berry (Rhonda) Bowser, Jerry (Deliah) Bowser, both of Messick, John (Andy Skwiercz) Gold of Elkhart, and Jack (Lisa) Gold of Constantine.; three daughters, Jan Donnely (Duane) of Elkhart, Ind., Billie Dohse, of Elkhart and Jennifer (Tom) Stuck of Landsdale, Pa.; 26 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by two sisters, Dorothy Daum and Mickie Rosemary Chandler; an aunt, Marcelle Phelps of Elkhart; two sisters-in-law, Norma Jane Berry and Naomi Davis; and many nieces and nephews.

Norma was well known for her baking and canning winning many state fair blue ribbons for each, while living in the White Pigeon and Constantine areas. She was well-known for her handicrafts.

In 1971, she constructed in her home in Constantine, a waterfall fireplace in honor of the Vietnam Veterans. She was sent rocks for this from servicemen, dignitaries and celebrities around the world. Norma was an avid supporter of the Osolo Fire Department in Elkhart, Ind. She would have liked memorial contributions to the Osolo Fire Department in Elkhart.

Visitation for Norma will be from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. today at Walley-Millls-Zimmerman Funeral Home in Elkhart. The service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with Pastor Dick Dunn presiding. Burial will follow in Rice Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to wmzfh.com