Norma Touart 1921 ~ 2009 The incomparable Amron Pennyworth Tourat the Great, otherwise known variously as mom, gram, nagel or Norma, died peacefully at home on May 19th. In life and death, she was surrounded by, cared for, and loved by an eclectic yet remarkable family of friends, daughter Pandora, son Damon, son-in-law Tom, grandchildren Ashley and Adam, and her life long partner in crime, Maureen. She treasured each one uniquely.

Norma lived her life with panache, and touched all with her droll wit and battle worn wisdom. Renowned for her colorful hand painted cards, they became her trademark for expressing appreciation, offering encouragement or simply saying "hello." She was wonderfully accepting without regard to appearance, beliefs or background. Forever the catalyst of occasions, Norma was the architect of countless salons, teddy bear picnics, Bastille Day parties and "twelfth nights" that became traditions and milestones in the lives of all who partied with her over many decades. She always offered "ritual libations for antediluvians," and was the class act of any event. Among her many joys were art and music, the inviting warmth of a crackling fire, gazing at the moon, and flowers-especially lilacs. Poetry sustained her and drama forged her soul: she was an accomplished actress, dancer, radio voice, calligrapher, and watercolor artist. Norma also dearly loved the ocean and traveling the world. She marveled at the wonder and excitement of New York, San Francisco, Paris, London, Amsterdam, and the Panama Canal. In travel and at home she loved the elegance of "putting on the Ritz," and extravagant hats were de rigueur.

She endured much during her life, including the death of her true love during World War II and several life threatening traumas, but like the Phoenix, she always rose from the ashes-resilient and tough. To the end, her spirit was loving and indomitable, albeit cantankerous. It's time. There is a hole in the sky-the holes in our hearts are filled in small ways by her memories writ large.

Norma donated her body to the U of U Medical Center in grateful recognition of the life giving care received there in 1986. A brief memorial service and celebratory wake will be held in Millcreek Canyon, Main Box Elder (the Teddy Bear Picnic site), June 7th at 11:00 a.m.; hats required! Donations in her name may be made to "Obama 2012," or Community Nursing Services of Utah. "To all who have bathed me with the colors of your warmth and contributed to my growth of spirit, I say thank you, dance on, and a very fond and dear farewell;" ~ Amron, May 2009.

Published in Salt Lake Tribune from May 23 to May 24, 2009