Norma Lois Beecham
Norma Lois Beecham died Monday, August 30, 2021 in McMurray Hills Manor. She was born November 14, 1928, in Ten Mile, daughter of the late J. Sanford Gibson and Ida Martin Gibson. She was the eighth child born of nine.
Norma graduated from Trinity High School in 1947 and from Allegheny School of Nursing in 1971. She was a nurse at Washington Hospital for 25 years until her retirement in 1996. After retiring from the hospital, she went on to continue nursing part time at Friendship Village until 2003, when she retired for good at 75.
Norma loved being a nurse and caring for others, however her family always came first. When she was able, she enjoyed watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports. She would travel any distance to watch them play. She was known as NaNa to many.
Norma loved baking and traveling, as well as watching sports on TV. She was a wonderful baker, who especially enjoyed baking cookies for others. Many can attest to how yummy her baked goods were.
She was a selfless person, who always put everyone else’s needs before her own. Her infectious smile, fun personality and caring heart will be deeply missed.
She is survived by two daughters, Debbie (Dick) Johnson of Nevada, Kimberly (Mike) Dye of Washington; grandchildren Rachel (Jason) Graper of Valencia, Mandy (Bryan) Ruk of Greensburg, Tina (Ed) Bainer of Washington; great-grandchildren Preston Graper, Cadence Graper, Layla Ruk, Kyle Bainer, Tyler Bainer, Taylor Bainer, and Morgan (Logan) Fahey; brother Wallace “Bud” (Leona) Gibson; brother-in-law Jack (Patricia) Beecham; sister-in-law Clarice “Sis” Killen; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Deceased, in addition to her parents, are three sisters, Esther Cooper, Mary Irey, Jean Day; four brothers, John, Lawrence, Ralph and Paul Gibson; as well as her companion of more than 30 years, J. Homer Acklin.
Due to Covid-19, all services will be privately held, including a graveside service at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Ten Mile, officiated by her niece, the Rev. Linda Mankey.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital.
Arrangements entrusted to Nichol Funeral Home, 1873 East Maiden Street, Washington. A guest book may be signed at www.nicholfuneralhome.com.