Norma Joyce McDonald's Obituary
Norma Joyce McDonald, 95, of Tulsa, passed away on December 23, 2024, surrounded by her three sons. A woman of remarkable spirit and unwavering dedication to her family and friends, she touched countless lives with her vibrant personality and genuine warmth.
Norma was born to Henry and Abbie Gayle Swoveland in Burr Oak, Kansas on July 19, 1929 and grew up in Topeka, Kansas. After graduating from Topeka High School in 1947, she attended Washburn University for two years. In 1951, she moved to Bartlesville, where she worked as a legal secretary in Phillips Petroleum Company's legal department. Norma left Phillips Petroleum in 1955 to focus on her family, spending over a decade raising her three sons: Mark, Mike, and David. As a mother, she was deeply involved in her sons' lives, taking a genuine interest in their activities and creating special celebrations for milestone moments.
When her youngest son entered grade school, Norma re-entered the workforce, managing the office of the Bartlesville Board of Realtors. In 1980, she returned to Phillips Petroleum as a legal secretary. Her career flourished, and in 1986, she was selected as Executive Assistant to the General Counsel for Phillips, a role she held until her retirement in 1999.
Norma was known for her friendly and social nature, forming lasting friendships wherever she went. Her interests included movies, political causes, enjoying wine with friends, and taking tap-dancing lessons. She also enjoyed traveling both domestically and abroad, visiting friends and family. In her later years, she found joy in creating special travel experiences with her grandchildren, including memorable trips to San Francisco. A lifelong book lover, Norma maintained an extensive collection and enjoyed lively discussions with friends in her book club. She was also known for her love and dedicated care of her cats and was a philanthropic supporter of many local animal charities.
She is survived by her three sons: Mark McDonald, Mike McDonald and wife Beth, and David McDonald and wife Teresa; four grandchildren: Amy Hightower and husband Brett, Caitlin McDonald, Maura McCoy and husband Kale, and Sam McDonald; and a great-grandson, Nolan Hightower. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Abbie.
Norma's vivacious spirit, dedication to her family, and remarkable ability to connect with others will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A memorial service will be held January 18, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. in the Rivercrest Chapel of Bixby-South Tulsa Funeral Service, 13329 S. Memorial Dr., Bixby OK 74008.
The family would like to thank the staff at Good Shepherd Hospice, Iris Memory Care and Aspen Health & Rehab for their attention and wonderful care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tulsa SPCA or other animal welfare charity of your choice.
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