Obituary: Norberg, Marian Rose

NORBERG, Marian Rose

November 22, 1949 -
October 24, 2012

Marian Rose Norberg passed away peacefully on the evening of Wednesday, October 24, 2012 surrounded by her family.

Marian was diagnosed with glioblastoma (brain cancer) on March 26, 2012.

Through the last nearly seven months of her life, she faced a bleak diagnosis and challenging treatments with the same optimism, courage and grace that she wore so effortlessly during her entire life.

Marian was overwhelmed by and thankful for the support and encouragement she received from family, friends and colleagues during her illness.
Marian was born in Spokane on November 23, 1949.

She grew up in Spokane and graduated from John R. Rogers High School.

She and her husband, John Norberg, married on October 5, 1968 and celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary several days before she died.

Marian was an enthusiastic, selfless and supportive mother to their only child, Tracey.

Marian served as her daughter’s favorite playmate, Camp Fire Girls group leader, wise parent, role model, close confidante and treasured friend.

In 1975, Marian, John and Tracey moved to the Spokane valley where Marian and John lived for nearly 30 years.

In 2005, she and John moved into their dream home on a ridge south of Liberty Lake over looking Spokane Valley and Spokane.
Marian found her own voice when she returned to college, graduating with a B.A.

in education from Eastern Washington University in 1988, the same year her daughter graduated from high school.

Marian also earned a Master’s degree in Social Work from Eastern.

Marian made her career at the State of Washington Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, where she served as a Rehabilitation Counselor until her diagnosis.

She took great enjoyment in assisting clients with disabilities in understanding their benefit options.

Marian was widely respected, admired and loved by her colleagues.

Marian was a talented artisan, who loved to crochet, sew, create stained glass and make jewelry.

She and her sister Susy shared a special connection through their common artistic interests.
Marian embraced grandparenthood the moment her first grand- child was born.

Her grandchildren, Ethan and Emma McDonald, reveled in their time with her, buoyed by her loving spirit and sense of fun.

Marian is survived by her husband John Norberg of Liberty Lake; Tracey Norberg (daughter), Brandon McDonald (son-in-law), Ethan McDonald (grandson) and Emma McDonald (granddaughter) of Cabin John, Maryland; Fred (father) and Kay Dayharsh of Spokane, Joan Dayharsh (mother) of Lewiston, Idaho; Susy (sister) and Darrell Halverson of Longview and Martin William Jr. (brother-in-law) and Linda Norberg of Spokane.

The family plans to hold a celebration of Marian’s life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Hospice of Spokane or another favorite charity in honor of Marian’s life.