Norma Jean Gillett

Norma Jean (Isley) Gillett was born in the midst of the Great Depression on July 16, 1929 in Geneva, Nebraska, where she lived with her parents Ed and Florence Isley and sister Shirley. Norma died on November 26, 2012 at Parker Adventist Hospital after suffering a massive stroke. She left us after a courageous battle to be with the Lord. She attended a rural, one-room school house near the family farm in Nebraska. She graduated from Geneva High School in 1947. Upon graduation, she worked as a legal secretary and registered part-time at York College in York, Nebraska. After one year, Norma then enrolled in Colorado State Teachers College in Greeley, Colorado, later renamed the University of Northern Colorado, where she met her soul mate, Byron Leonard Gillett. After graduation, Norma taught Speech and Drama at Fort Morgan High School, and Byron taught instrumental music at Frederick High School in Frederick, Colorado. Norma and Byron were married in May of 1955 in Fort Morgan. Norma and Byron then moved to Craig, Colorado, where they taught at Moffat County High School and started to raise a family. Norma and Byron moved to Aurora, Colorado, their current home, in 1961, where they both worked for the Aurora Public Schools as teachers and later retired. In addition to raising three children, Norma and Byron loved to play bridge, with Norma becoming a very good bridge player, and she loved attending the concerts and listening to the bands that Byron directed. She also enjoyed travelling and sharing stories about their six grandchildren. Norma had a passion for learning, reading, and teaching, which has inspired a brood of high achievers, not the least of which are her adoring children and grandchildren. Norma is a member of P.E.O. , American Association of University Women, The Order of the Eastern Star, Red Hatters, several book clubs, and a couple of duplicate bridge groups. Norma is survived by her husband of 57 years, Byron; her daughter Gail Lynn Heninger (Ralph) of Bettendorf, Iowa and their children Jacob Ralph Heninger and Emily Lynn Heninger; her son Paul Byron Gillett (Cheryl) of Centennial, Colorado and their children Alex Paul Gillett and Jack Byron Gillett; and her daughter Susan Rhay Kumli (Kurt) of San Francisco, California and their children Michaella Rhay Kumli and Erika Lee Kumli. Norma's parents and sister predeceased her. Norma and Byron have attended Parkview Congregational Church for many years. Memorials can be made to the church in Norma's name. Parkview Congregational Church United Church of Christ 12444 Parkview Drive Aurora, Colorado 80011 Please click on ""Sign Guestbook"" to share memories of Norma and messages of condolence with her family.