Patricia Joan Norman

1944 - 2008

Patricia J. Norman

Patricia Joan Norman, 63, of Fairbanks, died Thursday, April 17, 2008, in Dayton, Ohio. PJ fought a long, courageous battle with cancer for two years. PJ faced cancer with constant determination and courage. Until the end, she remained optimistic that she would return home to Fairbanks.
PJ was born in Danville, Ill., on June 12, 1944. She lived in Chicago until she was 10 and then moved to Hammond and later Munster, Ind. She was a graduate of Hammond High School. She earned a bachelor of arts degree from Purdue University majoring in English and literature. PJ taught seventh- to ninth-grade English and literature in Gary (Ind.) Public Schools for several years before moving to Alaska in 1970.
She volunteered for several years with the Literacy Council of Alaska. PJ owned and managed the Golden Eagle/Red Garter Saloon in Ester in the 1980s. PJ enjoyed being a Mary Kay representative in her spare time. She was the deputy purchasing agent for the city of Fairbanks for many years. She later worked for the state of Alaska and retired in 1999.
PJ and the love of her life, Al, became a couple on April 10, 1987; they were married at 4:10 p.m. on April 10, 1994, at First United Methodist Church in Fairbanks; they were happily together for more than 20 years. They were often called the “lovebirds” by friends and family.
PJ loved traveling to Mexico; Las Vegas; Wisconsin to visit Al’s family; Hot Springs, Ark., and Minnesota. She also loved traveling with Al in their camper around Alaska and going to Copper Center to relax and fish.
PJ was a loving, devoted wife, friend, sister and daughter. PJ was compassionate, caring and giving. She loved dogs and cats, especially her tiny Sheltie, Tia. She often would invite dogs (especially Kayla, another Sheltie) to the house for “play dates.” In her younger years, she enjoyed ice skating. She enjoyed dancing with Al. She always had flowers planted in her yard and enjoyed growing a vegetable garden in her backyard. PJ was an avid reader and had a special love for the arts. She was a friend to all and enjoyed life to the fullest. All will treasure having shared a part of her life. PJ made a difference and her legacy will live through all those who knew her. She will be missed by her family and many friends who knew and loved her. 
She was preceded in death by Al on Sept. 11, 2007; and her father, Russell F. Tarr.
She is survived by her mother, Eileen Tarr of Hot Springs, Ark.; twin sister and brother-in-law, Cheryl Jean and Barry Nass; aunts, Doris Johnson of Minneapolis and Barbara Mandernack of Hot Springs; stepdaughter, Allyson of Pensacola, Fla.; stepson, Chris Joseph of Ironwood, Mich.; grandson, Tristan Joseph of Walkersville, Md.; numerous cousins, sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.
The Elks Lodge will hold a memorial service at 3 p.m., Sunday, May 25. A celebration of life will follow.