Norma Jean Casey

1925 - 2008

Norma J. Casey

Longtime resident Norma Jean Casey, 82, passed away on May 3, 2008, in Fairbanks.
Norma was born Oct. 16, 1925, to Leo and Sara Bachman in Decatur, Ill. She met her future husband John when he was a sailor in 1943. They soon married and began raising a family.
In 1959, John came to Fairbanks for work and Norma followed with six children in a Volkswagen bus on a highway that was tough for most men, let alone a woman with six children. The next few years brought three more children. She always had enough love for each of them.
She was very active in community organizations; 40 years in the Moose Lodge, 30 years with Amaranth and the Lady Shrine organization, which she helped start in Fairbanks some 30 years ago.
She was a great seamstress. During World War II, because fabrics were in short supply, she made bridesmaid dresses out of a silk parachute that John sent her from Guam, for her wedding. She also made many clothes for her children when they were young. She loved to knit, making sweaters, hats and gloves for her children as well as items for charitable fundraisers.
Her faith in God was strong and guided her in her daily life.
She was very kind and loving and will be dearly missed by her large family and many, many friends. She leaves behind with great memories her husband of 63 years, John Casey; her nine children, Marylyn, John, Michael, Edward, Katherine, Patrick, Theresa, Thomas and Diana; 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Thursday, May 8, at First United Methodist Church, 915 Second Ave. A reception will follow.
Arrangements were by Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home.