In loving memory of

Norma L. Briggs
June 5, 1935 - April 30, 2015

Norma Briggs of Oregon, Wis., died unexpectedly and peacefully on April 30, 2015, at age 79.

Norma is survived by her husband, Mike, and children, Carolyn Briggs, Helen Mueller, Marian Mead, and John Briggs, and grandchildren, Alison Narveson and Kelsey Mueller, Emma Mead, Tatum Mead, and Cade Mead.

A Gathering of Norma's Family and Friends Fitchburg and Oregon, WI Saturday, June 6, 2015

Fitchburg Senior Center, 5510 Lacy Road, Fitchburg, WI
2:00 pm Visit with Norma's family (Oak Hall Room)
2:30-3:30 pm Remembrance (Fitchburg Room)
Anyone who would like to share a memory of Norma may speak

Norma and Mike's Home, 1519 Storytown Rd, Oregon, WI Drinks and appetizers provided with potluck dinner at 6 p.m.
4:00 pm Wander Norma's garden, or join a guided garden tour. Singing, dancing, and making music encouraged. Celebrate Norma!
6:00 pm Potluck supper
8:45 pm Lighting and release of Chinese sky lanterns
9:00 pm Sing "Oh, How Lovely Is The Evening" Norma closed many dance programs with this round.

Norma's celebration is "Open House" - feel free to attend part or all of the day


Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road Madison
(608) 238-3434

Tributes

Stephanie Cloak-Sander wrote on Sep 21, 2015:

"I remember Norma, being kind, fun and generous. "

Shirley Parker wrote on Jul 8, 2015:

"Intelligent and compassionate, Norma was a great addition to the world. My sympathies to her family."

Dorothy Paddon wrote on May 28, 2015:

"Norma & Mike met my late husband, Tony, at Exeter University UK, in 1950s. Tony fancied Norma but Mike got the girl. The three stayed great friends for the rest of their lives. Norma and Mike's letters from USA after their move were a delight - sharing enthusiasm for their new home. Norma had a dry sense of humour; her comments on social work training (a new venture) have stayed with me - the assignment "my life as an egg" struck her as an introspection too far. Norma's patience and kindness as a mother of four children were wonderful - I envied her those qualities. The family visited us in UK more than once when over here to see relatives; great fun was had by all. The years in Storytown Road gave Norma so much joy - a fitting close to a full and generous life."

Richard Althouse wrote on May 19, 2015:

"I did not know Norma well nor for very long, but I instinctively liked her, admired her keen intellect , and compassion for those less fortunate. I was both surprised and saddened by the news of her passing. My deepest condolences to Mike and their family. She will be deeply missed by all."

Ellen O'Brien Saunders wrote on May 16, 2015:

"This sad news sent me down Memory Lane, to when I first met Norma, in June 1972. I had decided that it was time to get a "real" job (after graduating in 1963!), and through the good offices of Kay Clarenbach, found myself in an interview with Norma and Mary Rider. The job was as a entry research analyst for a study ot "The Career Patterns of Women in Wisconsin Civil Service". Guided gently but firmly by Norma, I learned so much from this two year immersion - research methods, Wisconsin state government, how to balance work and family, workplace cultures, what public policy was and how it affected people. One memory stands out: When Norma decided to attend law school - at 38? 48? - someone commented that she'd be old, like 41 (or 51) when she finished. "In three years I'll be older no matter what I do, so I might as well go to law school." I also remember that she took a while to adjust to office hours in WI - so different from England. "I come to work and everyone's wandering around in the dark." I lost touch with her over the years but professionaly owe her the very interesting and satisfying career that unfolded after that first meeting. My sincere condolences to Mike and the family."

Ann Kleckner wrote on May 12, 2015:

"We (Ann & Ron) have known Mike and Norma for years, through town meetings and through the garden club. When I think of Norma, I think of her graciousness and her intellect, her amazing knowledge of flowers, her wonderful parties and gorgeous yard, her willingness to share both her knowledge and plants. I remember ending one of their parties by sending a paper lantern up into the still night and watching it slowly float away. I feel very fortunate to have known her."

Myrna Casebolt wrote on May 12, 2015:

"Norma's extraordinary warmth and kindness were immediately evident in her radiant smile. She gave so much to everyone around her - not only her dedication to helping those less fortunate, but really in fostering a loving environment for all who were lucky enough to know her. Norma and I had so many stimulating conversations; I came away from each having learned and made aware of a new perspective. I feel extremely lucky to have had the pleasure of her company and generosity of spirit and self. She will be missed. Sincerest condolences to Mike and the family. "

Jay Smith wrote on May 11, 2015:

"Norma, who once correctly accused me of being a "destructive child" for breaking down a cardboard box she had intended to save, was known to me as being a stern but kind, hardworking but easy-laughing, can-do but loving person, will be missed by all who were touched by her. She probably never quite understood that strange "stamp guy" that one of her daughters took up with, but I know that she enriched the lives of all that knew her, including mine. "

Fannie Borntrager wrote on May 9, 2015:

"I have only just met Mike two weeks ago when he came to Capital Lakes for PT/OT rehab after his surgery. He is such a wonderful person. I so enjoy listening to his stories of all the adventures and amazing things he and Norma did thru out their life together. Norma sounds like an amazing and very inspiring woman. My heart goes out to Mike and his family at this sad time in their lives. So glad I got to meet you Mike. May your family find peace in the days, weeks and months ahead of you all. "

Carolyn Briggs wrote on May 7, 2015:

"Norma and Mike performed in a modern dance piece by Li Chiao-Ping several years ago - brings back memories of her agility and power. http://www.dvpg.net/mov/VERGE.mov"

Linda Roberson wrote on May 7, 2015:

"I worked closely with Norma on feminist issues in the 1970's. I was then and continue to be inspired by her creativity, boundless energy, and compassion. The world is a poorer place without her. "

Albert Bryan wrote on May 7, 2015:

"I knew Norma only briefly. She got me to dance after decades of running, and walking, and watching. May her influence snowball through all of us. "

Jan Porath wrote on May 7, 2015:

"I will always remember the good times out at Mike and Norma's beautiful home and gardens. Norma will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Mike and his family."

Renee Schmitt wrote on May 5, 2015:

" Fond memories of heading out to Devils Lake in the summer with the Briggs family! Riding on the Ferry and getting a treat at DQ on the way home! Thank you, Mr. & Mrs. Briggs. Renee"

Doug Rosenberg wrote on May 4, 2015:

"Norma was an inspiration! We will miss her very much."