----Source: Wednesday, April 28, 2004 edition of the Clark County Press

Lillian 'Diamond Lil' Florence Norman

Lillian "Diamond Lil" Florence Norman, age 91, died Friday, April 23 at the Twin Valley Living Center, in Twin Valley, Minn.

She was born on April 3, 1913, to Boleslaw "Bill" and Josephine (Ciszewski) Kowalewski in Milwaukee. Lillian grew up and attended school in Milwaukee. Her mother died at an early age and she left home in her early teens. After leaving home, Lillian worked as a nanny for families in the Milwaukee area.

On March 28, 1933, Lillian was united in marriage to Arthur Norman in Milwaukee. They were blessed with three children: Annette, Jeanne, and Betsy; and in their middle years, they raised their dearly loved granddaughter, Diane. During WWII, Lillian was a "Rosy the Riveter" to help the war cause. In 1952, they moved to Neillsville, where she lived until moving to Wausau, near her daughter, Annette, in the early 1970s. While living in Neillsville, Lillian recognized her need for Jesus and was born again unto a new life. She immediately began sharing her faith with those who would listen. During her stay in Wausau, Lillian was a Salvation Army volunteer. In 1978, she moved to Waubun, Minn., to be closer to her daughter, Betsy. For a short time, she lived in Bemidji, Minn. and Crosby, Minn. and Mahnomen, Minn. for six years. Lillian moved to Twin Valley, Minn. and entered the Lutheran Memorial Home in August of 2003.

With a flare for life and boldness for the Lord Jesus, Lillian was a joy to be with. Telling a joke and hearing her laugh at her self was enough to keep you smiling for a long time. Lillian was a great cook and baker. She was unassuming and accepting of everyone. Her love for Jesus and her family led many of her family to faith in Jesus. Lillian loved her whole family, but she had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and in 1981, was voted "Mother Of The Year."

Lillian is survived by three daughters, Annette Hagie, and her partner, Fred Smith, of Pine River, Minn.; Jeanne Walls, of Brainerd, Minn.; and Betsy (Bill) Kozlowski, of Waubun, Minn.; eight grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren; and several nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, William and Stephen; two sisters, Martha and Frances.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, May 1, at 11 a.m. in the Good News Fellowship Church, in Gary, Minn.

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Responses

Obit: Norman, Lillian Florence (1913 - 2004)

Transcriber: Dolores Mohr Kenyon
 

Lillian was one of my dear friends when she lived at Neillsville. She and I attended the same church for several years. A very dear lady and usually smiling. I graduated with Betsy. My daughter Barbara and Diane were good friends also. Lillian will be missed by many. May she rest in peace.