Norma Lois Ellena

Norma Lois Ellena, 89, Lawrence, died on September 4, 2014 at Neuvant House. Norma was born on March 1, 1925 to Ada S. and Wilbur H. Silverthorn in De Tour, Michigan.

Norma was known to captivate those around her, no matter where she went. Whether it was her sheer classiness, love of Dean Martin, or even her traditional all-pink outfits, she made those around her smile. She captivated her husband, and love of her life, Jack Anthony Ellena, and they married on September 18, 1946 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. After living their early years in and near Chicago they moved to Lee’s Summit, MO. They finally settled in Lawrence in 1968 when Jack became the local Buick dealer. They could be found around town, particularly at the Lawrence Country Club, vacationing in Florida or traveling with friends. They spent many nights dancing together and she always loved hearing Jack’s stories, no matter how many times she had heard them before. Jack and Norma embraced life together for almost 50 years until his death in 1995.

Norma was a homemaker and a member of the Corpus Christi Catholic Church. She enjoyed her weekly womens’ bible studies. Also in her free time, she volunteered for the Hospital Auxiliary. Later in life, Norma found a home and second family in the selfless and loving care of the Neuvant House of Lawrence. She was steadfast in the belief that the Lord was with her always, and was confident that he would bring her home eternally.

Survivors include two daughters, Gail Vick (Kevan), Denise Berland (Russ), a son, John Ellena (Cathy) all of Lawrence; and 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. Norma was preceded in death by her son, Jim Ellena.

The family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, September 8, 2014 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 9, 2014 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Honor Flight Network of Kansas City and may be sent in care of the mortuary.