Norma Haggerty

Norma Ion Haggerty, 88, formerly of Grand Forks, ND, passed away peacefully and was welcomed home on 03/31/2017. Norma was born to William and Pearl Ion on September 19th, 1928 near Drayton, ND; she moved to Grand Forks in 1942 and graduated from Central High School in 1947. Norma soon met and married John Hess Haggerty from Pittsburgh PA. Norma was very active in both Union and Veterans groups. She held the role of past President for the Trade and Labor Auxiliary as well as the IBEW local 1426 Electrical Workers Auxiliary. She was also a member of both the American Legion and the VFW Auxiliary of Grand Forks. Norma was employed by the Grand Forks Clinic until 1992 when she officially retired. Wanting to remain active, she worked as a volunteer for Altru Hospital for many years. Norma is survived by her daughter Lori (Pat) Nelson, Grandson’s Tony and Tyler, Daughter-in-law Mikayla and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband John Haggerty, three brothers Max, Bill and Jack Ion, and three sisters, Shirley Steinke, Beatrice Kunze and Julia Larson.   Although Alzheimer’s had taken her memories and several of her capabilities, it did not take her spirit, her love to dance and the way she lit up when people came to visit her. We cherished her every smile, her every laugh and every “hello” she would extend to those we met on her daily walks. But mostly we cherished that special look she would sometimes give, that signaled our beloved Norma was still truly with us. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to the thoughtful and caring staff at St. Therese’s of Oxbow Lake who gave such amazing care to our dear Norma in her final years. We know you truly loved her and she loved you all as well. Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, April 5, 2017 in Amundson Funeral Home of Grand Forks, ND. Visitation will be for the hour before the service in the funeral home. Burial will be in Memorial Park South Cemetery, Grand Forks.