Norma Gordon Erickson

Norma lived a life full of love and laughter. On May 22, 2023, at the age of 94, she finally reunited with her husband, parents and siblings for a long awaited reunion. Her passing was peaceful and simple and in her own home, just like she always wanted. She was a beloved wife, a devoted mother to four children, loving grandmother to 19 grandchildren, a great-grandmother to 65, and even a great-great grandmother to 16. Norma loved her family and she loved her Savior, Jesus Christ, and she had a personal relationship with Him.

She met her sweetheart, Lark Roberts Erickson, from Beaver, Utah, and she knew he was the one. They were married on August 14, 1946. Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on February 18, 1948.

Lark and Norma have been blessed with four wonderful children: Joe (Karen) Erickson, Darlene (Robert) Jenkins, Janet (Gordon) Brady, and Lark (Connie) Erickson.

Norma was a strong spirit. She was a survivor of breast cancer, melanoma and skin cancer. She was tough inside and out. She mentioned that the reason she was still here is because they already have enough “bosses” up in heaven and they didn’t need anymore. I guess they were ready for one more and she was the perfect fit. Her family will miss her counsel and wisdom that was always comforting.

Norma loved being outdoors. She loved being outside getting her hands in the dirt and creating something beautiful. Her days were spent bent over weeding or planting and it never went unnoticed. Her yard was its own version of the Garden of Eden. Many strangers would stop by and knock on her door to simply compliment her on the beauty of what she had created. She loved finding reasons to gather her family, her ward family and her neighbors together and enjoying her yard.

She loved to serve and she did it unconditionally. She was quick to share her talents and enjoyed making people feel welcomed and loved. For many years, Lark and Norma maintained a half-acre garden. Their garden was impeccable and they loved to share everything they had. On Saturday mornings you would find them pulling a wagon down the street full of freshly picked produce to share with all of the lucky neighbors.
Norma was an amazing teacher and she taught by example. She taught her children the value of hard work and to appreciate and value what they had. She spent most of her time cooking, gardening, sewing and canning. Her famous homemade rolls and bread were some of her family’s favorites. She taught her grandchildren how to swing high enough to touch the branches on the trees. She taught them how to shell peas, husk corn and laugh at ourselves. She loved to laugh and she really did have the best sense of humor.

Norma loved making quilts. She would spend hours in her basement quilting. She hardly ever created the quilt with herself in mind. They were always for someone else. One year, for Christmas, all 19 grandchildren received a handmade quilt from her. She had started in February to make sure they were all done in time.

Her constant advice to all of us was to not always want to be right. Learn to listen and respect other people’s opinions, because not everyone thinks like you and they are right too. But she was always right!

Our family wishes to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to all of you. Thank you for your sweet words, kind acts of service and the outpouring of love we have felt. Until we meet again Mom!

A viewing and funeral will be held Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at the Corner Canyon 7th Ward Building, 1300 East 13400 South, Draper, Utah. The viewing will be 9:00-10:30 am and the funeral will begin at 11:00 am. Interment will be at the Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, Utah.

Those wishing to view the services via Zoom can click "Watch Services" or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/c0At5h38IWWAVb6wvXoRDEec45P2MN_DM2DQFc0gHOu6vk4o4GBBRLGx1VlwlSzS.ND0HzVg8cVU-ZYvm?startTime=1685464117000