Norma Jean Nelson

February 9, 1924 - November 7, 2018

NELSON, Norma Jean "Jeannie" (Age 84) February 9, 1934 to November 7, 2018 Norma Jean "Jeannie" Nelson was promoted to Glory on November 7, 2018. Born on February 9, 1934, to Torst and Helen Danielson, she graduated from Rosalia High School in 1952 where she was crowned high school queen. After attending WSU and EWU, she moved to Palm Springs to work with a realtor who sold properties to celebrities. She met Lucille Ball, Lauren Bacall, Spencer Tracy, Hoagy Carmichael, Rock Hudson and others. She loved helping others with numerous community organizations and charities, including serving as a Trustee for the Spokane Symphony Associates, numerous committees with Christmas Tree Elegance, and was on the Advisory Board for Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery. She was proud to be a 50 year member of the Malden Chapter Order of the Eastern Star. She served as a chaperone with the Lilac Princesses, and was involved with Wampum, Knife and Fork, Interplayers Theater, WSU Cougar Club, Lutheran Social Services, Spokane Club Women's Board, College Women of Spokane, and the Spokane Chapter of the Lupus Society. She was an original Expo 74 Opera House donor. Her fabulous style and hospitality were legendary. She selflessly loved everyone, always, despite her own countless ailments and battles. Asked: "how are you able to sing, hum and smile while in such pain?" She simply shared, "what else can I do?" All about people and others, she considered her greatest accomplishment her "children and grandchildren." Preceding her in death were her parents; sister, Elaine; and former husband, Earl. She is survived by her brother, Dave (Mary) Danielson; her children, Tonya (Bill) and Todd; grandchildren, Connor, Christopher and Elle; many nieces and nephews; and her "Ya Ya Sisters." She also thanks Dr. Howard Kenney, Diana Webster ARNP, and their wonderful staff, along with the whole crew at Riverview for their incredible love and care. Public visitation will be on Saturday, November 17 from 10:00 to 5:00 at Schanzenbach Funeral Home, 512 S. Whitman, Rosalia, WA. Her service and reception will be at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 9706 N. Division, Spokane, on Saturday, November 24 at 11:00 am. Flowers may be sent to Cheney Funeral Chapel, 1632 W. First St,, Cheney, WA. Donations may be sent to the Malden Chapter Order of the Eastern Star No. 149, c/o Louise Belsby, 40212 S. Rock Lake Rd., Cheney, WA 99004, the Rosalia Historical Museum, PO Box 277, Rosalia, WA 99170, the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery, or any other charity of your choice.