Norma Rogers Callahan, 83, died at her home in Mesa, AZ., Tuesday morning Nov. 9, 1999 in the presence of her devoted husband and family.
Her health had declined after being diagnosed with cancer in February.She was born in Ogden, UT. June 18, 1916, the eldest child of Meredith J. Rogers and Alvira F. Norr and christened in the 11th Ward.
Norma and her family knew both joy and sorrow with the loss of sister, Glena Ruth at age 17. The birth of brother Meredith Dale, sisters Mary and Ludean brought years of joy to the growing family.
As the depression gripped the country, Norma was called upon to help raise and support the family. Her father had been seriously injured working in the railroad yard and Norma with her mother spent those difficult years working in order to supply the necessities for the family. Although times were extreme, the family remained together with joy and faith intact.
In 1939 Norma fell in love and married Frank H. Callahan in Salt Lake City. With the outbreak of World War II, Frank and Norma moved to Washington D.C. where they both worked for the government thru the end of the war. In 1945 their first son George Michael was born followed by David Robert in 1948.
The family remained in the Washington area as the years saw Norma raise her boys. Norma went back to work as an elementary school secretary until Frank retired from the government in 1970. This period gave Norma the opportunity to direct her dynamic spirit to many of her interests. As a self-taught musician, she became an accomplished organist. Our family genealogy was always a passion she and Frank enjoyed for 40 years. Her six volumes of family saga and high standards of work will be her most lasting memorial.
Norma was a dedicated wife and mother and the blessings of her love will be felt and remembered by her family and friends.
She is survived by her husband Frank, sons George Michael and David Robert; sister Ludean; daughters-in-law Carol and Patricia; grandchildren, Christopher, Kimberly and Carleen; great-grandchildren, Ryan, Amanda, Andrew and Lorrie Grace.
Services will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.