Norma Lane

12/22/1931

05/14/2019

Norma Ann Lane, age 87, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home May 14, 2019.  Norma, the daughter of Harold and Cecilia (Nahm) Troeger, grew up in a loving, large and boisterous family of 12 siblings on the ethnic west side of Grand Rapids.  Although she came of age in the Great Depression and World War II, it was remembered fondly as a time when life was gentle, uncomplicated, and small pleasures were deeply enjoyed.  She was surrounded by a happy family and dear friends.

Norma graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1949 and then found a job at General Motors Diesel Division.  After meeting at a city-wide dance at “the Y”, Norma married the love of her life, “Jack” (John Fuller) Lane in 1952.

Following, the couple had five daughters and sons: Mary (husband Amar Ourchane), Virginia “Ginger” (Dirk Koning), Jack (wife Denise Davidson), Thomas, and Linda (Charles DeVries).  The Lanes had 10 grandchildren:  Shaun Koning, Tarik Ourchane (Lauren Hauber), Kelly Koning-Ramic (Azur Ramic), Adam Ourchane (Kristin Avedisian), Anna Lane (fiancé Gamalier Gonzalez), Jillian Lane (Reymundo Lerma),   Nadia Ourchane, Meredith Lane, Clayton DeVries, and Colby DeVries and 1 great-grandchild, (Zoey Doner-Koning).  Once her children were all in school, Norma enrolled in college to become an elementary school teacher.  She taught 2nd grade at Runciman Elementary in Lowell.  Pursuing her own education further, Norma received a Master’s degree in Education from Michigan State University and then worked as a Reading Consultant for Lowell Area Schools until she retired.

Jack and Norma Lane traveled to all 50 states and abroad. Together, (often camping) they visited historic and natural beauty sites, such as the Great Lakes Circle tours of lighthouses and Civil War battlefields.  They owned a beloved cottage “up North” at the Sauble Lakes, called “Duck Inn” where they spent countless blissful hours with friends and relatives.  Family was everything to Norma and she devoted herself to enriching the lives of her grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She particularly enjoyed time with family at parties, holidays, card games, and traveling with her ‘sistas’.  In addition, Norma loved reading murder mysteries and non-fiction history, as well as attending cultural events.

Norma was always grateful for having lived “a charmed life”, far beyond what she ever dreamed of experiencing!  She will be remembered as always optimistic and cheerful, generous, and believing in the good of the common people.  Norma Lane was preceded in death by her parents; husband Jack; and son-in-law Dirk Koning.  She is survived by her children and grandchildren (aforenoted ); brother-in-law, Tad Lane; siblings Alice DeBoer, Thomas Troeger, Elizabeth Platte, James Troeger, Susan Krestakos and all of their families.

The family will receive visitors at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel at 3980 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids on May 23, from 4-6 PM, Rosary at 6PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 423 First Street NW, Grand Rapids on Friday, May 24 at 10 AM, Rev. Richard Host presiding, with visitation one hour prior.

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks to please donate a book to your local library or a needy student.

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