Norma J. Meszynski

Norma Meszynski was a devoted wife and mother, who, through her commitment to her family, redefined the concept of unconditional love. She had the kindest, most caring heart, and everyone who spent time with her felt the warmth of her presence. Though the Great Depression hit many families hard during the 1930s, Gust and Winifred (Adams) Oslund of Twin Lake, Michigan were blessed with many gifts. Among them was their daughter, Norma Jean, who was born on May 7, 1931. A bright and energetic little girl, Norma enjoyed a typical childhood growing up in Twin Lakes with her two younger siblings, Doris Bubbles and Gust Bing. The three of them were always very close and were known to get into their fair share of mischief together. They loved to go to their parents cottage and spend their day swimming in Middle Lake. Aside from her brother and sister, Norma enjoyed the company of her many good friends, Dottie, Shirley, Ginny, Sandy, Carolyn, Betty and Mary. Normas parents owned and operated a grocery store in Twin Lakes called Oslunds Market. Norma received her education in the area schools, and after graduating from Muskegon High School in 1949, she went on to attend Christian College in St. Louis for 2 years. Norma was in her early 20s when she met the love of her life, William J. Meszynski, at the Blue Heaven Dance Hall in Twin Lakes. William swept Norma off her feet the moment they met, and it wasnt long before the two were hopelessly in love. They were happily married on October 2, 1954, in Muskegon, which was the beginning of 55 wonderful years together. Norma and William were blessed with three children: William, Michael and Kathryn, who brought immeasurable joy into their lives. Besides being devoted parents, William worked for many years at the Veterans Administration, while Norma was the Office Manager in a doctors office for 14 years, and later worked for Legal Aid. Because of the busyness of their lives, the Meszynskis always made it a point to sit down to dinner together on Sundays to catch up with each other. Norma was a wonderfully talented woman, who enjoyed gardening, calligraphy (she had such beautiful handwriting), macram and ceramics. She was a gracious host to anyone who came to her home, and every Christmas she generously helped wrap presents for Toys for Tots. With the loveliness of a Hollywood starlet, Norma played her Beatstick in a fundraiser called It Takes Guts for the Veterans Hospital. But that wasnt her only shining moment Norma was also nominated Woman of the Year in 1963 as a member of the Beta Sigma Phi. Additionally, she was a life member of the Don Rea VFW Post #8846, and for many years she creatively wrote their newsletters, several of which won state awards. When it came to her leisure time, Norma loved to visit those one-armed bandits at the Little River Casino, hoping to hit it big just one time. For Norma, family was the greatest source of happiness in her life, and she cherished the many moments they shared over the years. Her son, William, fondly remembers the walks she and him took out to admire her garden, and all the times they enjoyed together sitting in the garage, which was actually screened in and carpeted during the summer months. Kathryn amusingly recalled how her mother was never pressed for time; basically, she did things at her own pace, which usually meant she was late getting places. As a matter of fact, she wasnt bothered a bit that the ferry to Mackinaw Island was being held up just for her! Norma died on Wednesday, March 4, 2009, and because of her gracious donation to Gift of Life, up to 50 people could benefit from her gift. Her family and friends will miss her greatly, but they will never forget the time they shared. She is survived by her husband, William J. Meszynski of N. Muskegon; son, William G. (Cathy) Meszynski of Twin Lake; daughter, Kathryn (Mike) Brower of Onekama; grandchildren: Michael, Amanda, Cassandra, Michael, Andrew, Erica; several great grandchildren; brother, Gust "Bing" Oslund of KS; and several nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Michael, and sister, Doris Rossiter. Services for Norma will be held on Saturday, March 7, at 1:00 p.m. in Clock Chapel of Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon with Rev. Dr. Thomas C.H. Scott, Rector officiating. Visitation will be on Friday, March 6, from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Foundation. Please visit Normas memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory with her family or sign her online guest book.