Corleen Camille Norman

Corleen Camille Norman (94) passed away Sunday night, Jan. 7th after a weeklong stay at Logan Health Conrad in a room that was fittingly filled with family, friends, stories, and love.  

Corleen was born November 29th, 1929 to Thurston and Edith Warwick in Spokane, Washington.  She grew up on top of Sam George Hill at the family farm West of Conrad - a place she held dear to her heart her entire life.   In 1941 her parents built a house in Conrad and the family moved into town.  Corny lived in and treasured this home the majority of her life and loved nothing more than when family and friends gathered there or dropped in for a visit.  

Corleen attended country school west of Conrad until the age of 11.  She graduated from Conrad High School in 1947 and always enjoyed attending her class reunions every year up until the age of 93 when she was unable to attend due to no fault of her own and being out of town.  She attended the University of Montana, the University of Washington, and the College of Great Falls, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.  She told many stories of her student-teaching experiences under the supervision of the Nuns.  

On December 27th, 1953 she married Mark E. Norman at the First Presbyterian Church in Great Falls.  While Mark completed his DDS in St. Paul and Minneapolis they grew to love Minnesota and Minnesota sports - which they aptly passed on to their children.   After enjoying their time in the Twin Cities, they made their way back to Montana to raise their children, Philip and Kristy.  Corny loved a good gathering of family and friends to watch the Vikings, Griz, or Cats.   

She loved her home, her yard, growing tomatoes, yellow flowers, red wine, and drives to the farm. They enjoyed numerous family ski trips to Teton Pass and Big Sky Ski Resort., summer vacations at Lake Blaine, camping, and huckleberry picking in Glacier and Waterton National Parks.  She and Mark were married for 58 years before his passing in 2011.  

Corleen was received by Profession of Faith into the First Presbyterian Church in Conrad on December 26th, 1948.  She cherished her church family and spent an enormous amount of time volunteering in her church.  She worked tirelessly in the church kitchen providing meals and especially enjoyed working as a leader with the youth groups for many years.  She was also a lifelong member of the VFW, and was initiated into Victory Chapter #86, Order of the Eastern Star, on January 23, 1951 and was a member in good standing for 73 years.  

Corleen worked at the Conrad Public Library, was a Library Board member, and belonged to Friends of the Library.  She was instrumental in the library’s restoration and remodel.  Over the years she was a leader for the Cooperative Neighbor’s 4-H club, drove countless miles in support of the Conrad Cowgirl basketball and track teams.  A second mom to many, her home was always a safe place to land for many of Conrad’s youth.  She loved her hometown, always believed in supporting local and believed very little could not be solved by a long walk in the country.  

Corny always welcomed pets into her home, whether it be dogs, cats, parakeets, or turtles.  She loved her basset hounds, boxers, pugs, and of course her adoring pit bull friend Alfred Cain.  Most recently she enjoyed trips to the lake cabin, traveling to see family, watching the bald eagles on the river and marveling at the small planes landing near the house in Spokane.    

A master in the kitchen, her homemade breads, whole wheat cinnamon rolls, and potato salad were a delight.   She was full of forgiveness - except when Mark sold her 1970 Jeep Wagoneer - that was unacceptable and she never let him forget it.  

Compassionate, gracious, and modest.  She was the CORE of our family and extended family.  A genuine good listener whose thoughts and beliefs were ahead of her time.  She impacted many people across many generations - a link to the past and a bridge to the future.  She always stressed that it was “nice to be intelligent, but more intelligent to be nice.” 
She will be remembered for the huge heart she shared with her friends and family.  She truly loved each of them…and if you knew her - you knew it.

She was preceded in death by her parents Thurston and Edith Warwick, brother Loren Warwick, son Philip Norman, and husband Mark Norman.   Survivors include daughter Kristy Norman of Spokane, Lynn Hurley of Spokane, Cousin Joy Warwick and family of Monument, Colorado, chosen granddaughter Whitney Bogert and husband Jerod of Tioga, North Dakota.  Nephews Taylor (Donna) Warwick of Aurora, Colorado, Ron Warwick of Conrad, and Brad Warwick.   Jodi Warwick Starke and family, Richard Warwick and Family, Nicole Warwick and Riche Hans.   Special family/friends Donna Warwick and Gary Holm, recently reunited daughter Gretchen Van Etten-Semke, and so many “best friends.” 

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held in the Spring.   Memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church - Conrad, Conrad Public Library, MLBR Dog Rescue, the Conrad Depot Museum, or The Conrad Walking Path.   

Thank you, Corny - for all you have taught us about the gifts of love, forgiveness, and kindness.  You leave behind a legacy of love, strength, and beautiful memories.  You will be forever missed.  

“Seeing death as the end of life is like seeing the horizon as the end of the ocean."   - A Hui Hou, Corny.