Norma Ann Fredericks, age 87, of Aberdeen, Washington passed away peacefully Friday, Aug. 23, 2024, with family by her side.
Norma was born April 13, 1937 in Aberdeen, to the late Charles and Frances Hunger.
She attended Willamette High school in Eugene Oregon, Oakville High School, and Grays Harbor College. Norma’s first job, after completion of Junior College, was a bookkeeper at Grays Harbor Community Hospital.
Norma married Albert J. Fredericks Jan. 5, 1957. They welcomed two daughters, Linda (1959) and Karen (1963). During the same year she and Albert opened the Valley Market and Custom Meat Cutting in the Wishkah Valley of Aberdeen. They worked together for over 20 years in the market and were well-known for their great customer service. They closed the grocery store as they approached retirement, and Albert remodeled it into a home. Norma was reluctant at first to move from their West End home, but she soon learned to love living in the Wishkah Valley with her husband.
She was active in numerous organizations including the WA State Home and Community Educators over 60 years and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fraternal Order of Eagles 54 years. Norma volunteered for The American Red Cross, working blood drives at least 25 years. In addition, she worked at USPS as a rural relief carrier for 10 years.
Norma’s hair was styled at a beauty shop weekly for over 65 years. Her “Red Up-Do” was her signature look. Her hair stylists included Loretta, Shellie, Pat, and Peggy. The family is grateful for these ladies adding their special touches to Norma’s hair.
Norma loved shopping. Her car license plate holder appropriately read “Norma’s Shopping Cart.” Shopping was one of her favorite pastimes and she was a meticulous shopper! Norma’s wallet would be filled with coupons so she could find the best deals.
Some of Norma’s other favorite activities included dancing, music, playing cards, bunko group, growing dahlias, entertaining, talking on the phone, grand parenting, floating the Wynoochee River (in her younger days), lunching with friends, travel, and rooting on the Mariners. She was an avid fan and the past two years visited her daughter Linda in Arizona to take in many Spring Training games.
Norma cherished the performing arts including live theater and live music. As a season ticket holder with The Driftwood Players, she was asked several times to be a secret committee member to help select acting awards for the season. She would attend each show and then meet with other secret committee members and vote for outstanding performances of the season. In addition, her favorite local musicians were The Dukes of Swing, and she could be found at almost every performance.
Norma will be remembered for her fun spirit, joyful smile, and gregarious nature.
She is survived by daughter Linda Fredericks, Fayetteville, Georgia; stepbrothers: Vernon Haffner and Jerry Haffner (Joyce), Eugene, Oregon; grandchildren: Gregory Gourlie (Mandi) and Megan Gourlie, and great-grandson, Ezekiel Gourlie (aka “Sugar Plum”) of Aberdeen. She will also be missed by other relatives and many friends. Norma is preceded in death by her parents, husband Albert, daughter Karen Kay Gourlie, stepmother Agnes Hunger, other relatives and again, many friends.
The family invites you to a Graveside Service to honor Norma on Saturday, Sept 28, 11 a.m. at Wishkah Cemetery. Please bring a chair if you don’t want to stand. A reception will follow at the Hoquiam Elks from 12:30 to 4 p.m.
Please feel free to share a memory at fernhillfuneral.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.
