HEDSTROM, Norma Jean

Norma Jean Shore O'Neill, 72 year of age from Missouri City, Texas passed away on August 24, 2012 at her home, under hospice care after a long and courageous illness from cancer. Norma was born on March 7, 1940 in Kearney, Nebraska to Charles and Leona (Schroer) O'Neill and was raised in the heartland of America near Minden, Nebraska. She graduated from Minden High School in 1957. Norma's early adult years were fondly spent in southern California as a military wife and mother with the following years in Brooklyn, New York and Virginia Beach, Virginia. Norma moved back to the Midwest to Kansas for several years until she settled in El Campo, Texas and finally to Fort Bend Country, Texas where her daughter lived. Norma's love of art was with her for all of her life. Her natural talent of fine arts started when she won a national art contest as a teenager. She studied at the Houston Art Institute and enjoyed an abroad art study in La Romita, Italy in her sixties. Over the years she commissioned many portraits, sculptures, murals, illustrated books and taught art. Norma loved to camp, travel, golf, read, laugh, loved to spend time with her family, and of all things, “ART”. Norma was a member of the El Campo Art Society and donated her efforts to the reopening of El Campo Museum with art murals and fundraising. The highlight of her career was the opening of her art studio, which opened in 1989. These years were some of her happiest times and created life long friendships. Norma was a member of the First Christian Church in El Campo, Texas. She dedicated many years to growing the church and started the “Streets of Bethlehem” Christmas Pageant, which ran annually for many years. Norma had a passion for life. She not only passionately cared for her family; she also cared for the military wives while the naval ship was at sea. It was her honor to represent the USS Forrest Sherman Naval Battle Ship as the Ombudsman when the ship was at sea. Survivors include three children, Becky Naser of Houston, TX; and Bob Hedstrom and Jeff Hedstrom of Missouri City, Texas; three grandchildren, Amira, Toni, and William; sister, Pat Werner of Minden and numerous extended families from Minden, Kearney, Lincoln, Omaha and surrounding town in Nebraska. She is preceded by her parents, Charles and Leona O'Neill. The family is very grateful to the wonderful medical care given to Norma during her illness. The medical staff at Baylor Clinic and St. Lukes Hospital, Texas Medical Center, Houston was a blessing. The extraordinary care by Vitas Hospice nurses, Maria (Team 505) and the final days of Critical Care by Nurse Regina. Memorial services will be on Friday, August 31, at 11:00 at the First Christian Church in Minden with Rev. Michael Schmidt officiating. Burial of her ashes will be in the Minden Cemetery. Book signing will be at the Layton-Craig Funeral Home in Minden on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions or donations can be graciously directed to the charity of your choice.