Norma Jean Iverson

Norma Jean Iverson of Longbranch died peacefully Jan. 16, just days after her 93rd birthday, with family by her side.

She was born in Chelan, Jan. 11, 1933, to Alvin and Norma Thompson. She was the youngest child out of seven. She is survived by her older brother, Kenny, and younger sister Shirley.

Norma grew up in Lake Stevens and earned her degree in nursing at the University of Washington. She was proud to be a Husky!

She fell in love with and married Virgil Gordon Iverson in 1955. They had five children together: Wade (Deb), Bruce (Shelly), Lori (Kent), Paul (Missy), and Lynn Marie. Norma was a devoted grandmother of 11, known as “Grandma Sugar,” and was great-grandma to 17 children residing from New York to Hawaii.

In 1957, the couple moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, where she worked as a mom and a registered nurse while Virgil attended Bethel Seminary. In 1961, they moved back to Tacoma, where Virgil was a pastor, and she was “the pastor’s wife” of Evergreen Baptist Church for seven years. After Virgil joined the Army as a chaplain, she spent the next 27 years doing the Army Airborne wife job, managing a gang of five children and all the challenges entailed — thank you for your service!

They lived in Germany, North Carolina, New York City, Kansas, and Washington before settling in Longbranch to build their home in 1989. Norma worked as a home health nurse for Pierce County and was a member of the Dr. Penrose Guild, supporting and volunteering at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, and many other fundraising missions. She and Virgil attended the Longbranch Community Church and immersed themselves in the community.

After buying a sailboat, the “Godsfred,” meaning “God’s Peace” in Norwegian, Norma planned many day trips with all the details to make memorable moments for all aboard. She and Virgil were active members of the Longbranch Improvement Club. They cherished their life, and their home was a landing zone and a refuge for family and friends.

Norma was a recognized green thumb and a chef of countless meals in the kitchen. She was notorious for her pies!

She was preceded in death by Virgil in 2019; daughter, Lynn, in 2023; and four of her siblings.

Norma will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled March 28 at the Longbranch Improvement Club from 1 to 4 p.m.