Melanie Rose Norman

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Melanie Rose Norman, our loving and devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, sister, and friend to all whose lives she touched, on February 5, 2021.  Jesus quietly called her home while she was working in a room that gave her peace and happiness and tending to a business that made her feel worthy and special.  She was born in Hillsboro, Oregon on August 25, 1950 to Willmer and Rosanna VanVleet. She was their first born of five children. Melanie accepted that honor proudly as she cared deeply for her sister and brothers.  On November 21, 1997, Melanie married her loving and devoted husband, Edward Norman. They made their home in Salem, Oregon where they are known for their generous hearts and active membership in their church.  Melanie was the beloved mother of Abigail Smith (Bryan), Christopher Nelson (Nancy), and  Amy Horton (Mike) and DeeDee Tribby (Joe). She would glow with happiness speaking of her 15 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and her many nephews and nieces. Her dedication to her children and grandchildren could be described as a garden of love. She had the ability of knowing how to tend to each of their hearts and shower them with what they each needed to thrive. The garden she has grown will forever be cherished.  Living a simple and subtle life, Melanie enjoyed inspirational books, gardening, tea cups, plants, hummingbirds, and her two dogs. She recently retired from the North Santiam School District after over 30 years of dedicated service. She had a profound zest for life and her witty and fun-loving ways delighted many. She was an advocate for children and very passionate about ensuring children never went hungry.   Melanie loved Valentine’s Day and will be laid to rest on 2/14/2021 by her children and immediate family. A celebration of life will be planned in the summer of 2021. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to: Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action ( www.mwvcaa.org ) or Willamette Humane Society ( whs4pets.org ).   Please lift her family in prayer as they accept this incredible loss and find peace in their hearts.