Norma was born in Helena on January 9, 1924 to Arlin J. and Ida Allison. Norma was raised and attended grade schools in Helena and graduated from Helena High School in 1941. After graduation, Norma lived and worked as a legal secretary in Phoenix, AZ and Colorado Springs, CO. She returned to Helena where she met William C. Brodersen. They were wed on July 12, 1955. Two children were born from this marriage, son John Arlin and daughter Carole Marie. Norma returned to work and retired on April 1, 1987 after eighteen years at the State of Montana’s Worker’s Compensation Division. After retirement, Norma enjoyed traveling extensively through out the United States and Canada. It is believed Norma traveled to every state except Hawaii. Her travel was done mostly by chartered bus with many expert travel arrangements being made by her longtime friend Bonnie Harwood. Thank you Bonnie for your travel help over many years, but most importantly for your friendship and caring
Norma was an accomplished pianist who always enjoyed listening to classical music. Even near the end, the sound of Mozart made her right hand move as if it was the musical conductor’s baton.
Norma was preceded in death by both parents, her husband, her wonderful daughter and her dearly loved sister B.J. Dahl. Norma is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, John and Michele Brodersen.
Mom was a caring, sincere, strong, independent woman who loved her family, friends, chocolate and traveling. Enjoy your final journey and destination mom. We will always love, remember and miss you.
Norma and family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the following: Aimee, Sherrie and all the staff who provided care, thoughtfulness, kindness, comfort, respect and dignity during the time that Mom called Aspen Gardens her home. Also to Celeste, Paul, the nursing and administrative staff of Frontier Healthcare and Hospice for the professional care, kindness and support they provided to Mom.
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday September 22, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena , MT
Graveside Service
12:30 p.m.
Tuesday September 23, 2014
Sunset Memorial Gardens
Helena , Mt 59602
Reception
After Graveside Service
Tuesday September 23, 2014
Family Home
298 Franklin Mine Road
Helena , MT 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday September 22, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena , MT
Graveside Service
12:30 p.m.
Tuesday September 23, 2014
Sunset Memorial Gardens
Helena , Mt 59602
Reception
After Graveside Service
Tuesday September 23, 2014
Family Home
298 Franklin Mine Road
Helena , MT 59602
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Raija Viitamaki says
Norma was the mother of my penpal Carole Brodersen, and I met her for the first time in summer of 1977 when she kindly let me stay at her place while visiting Carole. She took me to Yellowstone National Park and showed me around in Montana with her sister B.J. She was a single mother, a hard working lady that wanted to offer her children a good life and always spoke very kindly of her family. She had a big heart and left me with very warm memories of her. Even tough I am too far away to attend the service I will always cherish her memory. Raija Viitamaki
LuLu says
Norma was a wonderful friend for many years. Since the early 1970s we worked together and shared many good & bad times throughout the years. Birthdays & Christmas celebrations. I loved her dearly, think of her often, shared many good laughs. Rest in peace Norma.
Vivian Johnson says
Deepest sympathy to John and Michele. I too have many fond memories of Norma and our working years at State Fund. She was loved and respected by all who knew her, a wonderful intelligent woman who will be missed. God Bless!
greg hill says
John – so sorry to hear of your moms passing, you and Michele are in our prayers
Sharon Nelson says
I am so sorry for your loss. My husband and I live across the street from Norma for 26 years, what a wonderful neighbor. I am so glad I was able to meet her. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
Joy Novota says
John,
Although I did not know your Mom, I am sorry to hear of your loss. God’s blessings to you & your family as you celebrate her life. Warm thoughts & prayers go out to you.
Paul and Becky Donaldson says
We first met Norma through her sister BJ, who was our neighbor on Harrison Ave, about 36 years ago when we first moved to Montana. Over the years we would run in to her when she and BJ were out shopping and having fun together. They were always stylishly dressed, but the sweetest part was they seemed to always be smiling and laughing. Both were delightful people who seemed to spread an abundance of cheer wherever they went. Our condolences to Norma’s family. We know she will be missed.
Karen Diehl Orr says
I am sorry for your loss. My dear friend Carole and her Mom are reunited. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cozy Darby says
John,
I just googled your mother and found out that she has passed to her eternal life over a year ago. Although I never met your mother I looked forward to sharing memories of Carole with her every year. My yearly calls have now ended but I will always hold your sister and mother close to my heart.