In Loving Memory of Norma Zylstra: 1926-2023 

Posted

Norma Arlene Zylstra, 96, of Chehalis, Washington, passed away peacefully on Jan. 31, 2023. Norma Berg was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota, on Feb. 11, 1926, to Sam and Helen Berg. Norma graduated from Grand Forks Central High School in 1944. 

After finishing high school and earning her teaching credentials, Norma taught in small schoolhouses in the Red River Valley region of North Dakota and Minnesota. In 1951, she came west to Washington to become a teacher in Pe Ell. There she met another teacher named Bill Zylstra. Soon they fell in love and became married on Dec. 28, 1953, at the Lutheran Church in Chehalis. 

During the summer of 1954, Norma and Bill moved to Chehalis, where they raised their three sons, David, Kevin and Brian. For many years after the Zylstras moved to Chehalis, Norma taught as a substitute teacher. In 1972, Norma became director of the nursery school at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Chehalis, a job she loved. In 1979, she returned to K-12 education as a second grade teacher in Mossyrock before retiring in 1983. 

Bill and Norma were active members at Westminster Presbyterian Church, serving as elders and deacons. They were also active in various social clubs in Chehalis. During their retirement years, Bill and Norma enjoyed traveling, visiting and hosting friends, playing bridge and especially seeing their children and grandchildren. 

After Bill died in 1998, Norma became a guardian ad litem, which allowed her to continue working with youth. She was a guardian at litem for many years and found it fulfilling. Norma also continued to be involved as a longtime member of the St. Helens Club and she enjoyed playing bridge with some of her longtime Chehalis friends. 

Norma is preceded in death by her husband Bill, her parents, her brother Vernon, and her sisters Margaret (Orlando) Odegard, Stella (Bill) Baird and Irene (Abner) Amundson. She is survived by her sons David (Sharon), Kevin (Carla) and Brian (Sheryl); and grandchildren Nicholas, Carlyn, Benjamin, Matthew, Aaron, Jacob and Tizita. 

A memorial service will be held for Norma at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 349 N. Market Blvd. in Chehalis. 

The Zylstra family thanks the nurses, caregivers and housekeeper who provided her with such great care during her final months.