Marella Jean (Clawson) Norman, of Plainwell,died Tuesday, Sept. 24, in Allegan, at the age of 91. Born on Aug. 8, 1933, in Hopkins, to Grover and Florence Clawson, Marella was raised with strong family values and a love for education.
A graduate of Hopkins High School, Class of 1950, Marella went on to receive her teaching certificate at Allegan County Normal. She dedicated 34 years to the field of education, working at several schools throughout her career, and making a lasting impact on the children of Hopkins Elementary School, where she was teaching third grade when she retired.
It was at Hopkins Elementary that Marella met her husband, David Norman, a fellow educator who taught math. Their shared passion for teaching brought them together, and they married on Dec. 27, 1965, at the Hopkins Community Reformed Church. Throughout their marriage, they cherished their summers off by embarking on long vacations with Marella’s sister and brother-in-law, creating memories they treasured.
Marella’s creativity and love of the arts were expressed through her knitting, quilting, and her beautiful organ playing. She will be fondly remembered for her gentle spirit, her love of children, and her deep devotion to education. Marella’s care for her students extended far beyond the classroom.
Marella was preceded in death by her parents, Grover and Florence Clawson; her siblings: Grover (Helen) Clawson Jr., Louise (Clifford) Reynolds, Louis Clawson, and Robert (Ludy) Clawson. She is survived by her husband, David; her siblings Gerry (Karen) Clawson and Loretta (Emerson) Wall; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In accordance with the family’s wishes public services were held at Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, 120 South Woodhams St., Plainwell, with a funeral at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28. Marella was laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery in Orangeville Township following the service.
