Norma J. Pearson, the daughter of Bessie and Francis Lyman Luce of Ashtabula, Ohio, married Donald R. Pearson in 1950; they had a son Dennis in 1952, followed by Keith in 1957 and Lisa in 1962. Norma was at home initially while Don worked at what was then Reliance Electric Company. Donald Pearson became plant manager of the Reliance Electric facility in Ashtabula, until leaving for Kirkwood Industries and then Marlin Industries near Cleveland. The family moved several times, eventually to a new home – which Norma helped to design and supervise the construction of – on Tall Trees Drive.
Norma Pearson resumed her education, part-time at Kent State Ashtabula, then commuting to Kent as a full-time student at KSU. Norma obtained her BA and a Master’s Degree in both Anthropology and Library Science. Norma was hired as a librarian in the science department of the University of Akron Library. The family moved to Brecksville, Ohio where they lived for more than 30 years. Norma advanced at the University of Akron Library to become head of her department.
After retirement Norma and Don relocated to Woodland Park, Colorado –west of Colorado Springs, near the base of Pikes Peak at an elevation of 8465 feet – where Norma again helped to design and oversee the construction of their retirement home. They enjoyed many visits from their adult children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and many friends from their days in Ohio. In 2010 they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at a gala event in Colorado Springs; on June 17, 2014, Norma and Don had their 64th wedding anniversary.
Norma Pearson passed at Colorado Springs after a courageous effort to recover from a severe stroke she suffered on Christmas Day 2013. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Donald R. Pearson; son Dennis R. Pearson and daughter-in-law Tracey C. Pearson of Jericho, Vermont; son Keith L. Pearson and daughter-in-law Joan Pearson of Kent, Ohio; daughter Lisa P. Kasyon and son-in-law Jeff Kasyon of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and grandchildren Gregory, Catherine, Emily, Mitchell, and Henry. A granddaughter Sarah predeceased her, as did Norma’s brother William Luce. There are many loving nieces and nephews, and grand-nephews and grand-nieces whom Norma touched during her long and generous life.
Gifts in memory of Norma Pearson may be made to the American Stroke Association, or to your local hospice organization.