Bessie I. Nora

Bessie I. Nora, age 97, of Iron River, MI, passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at the Iron River Care Center. She was born on November 4, 1926, in Gaastra, MI, the daughter of the late Melford and Mary (Cowling) Shovald. She attended the local schools, graduating from Stambaugh High School with the class of 1944. Bessie married John “Jack” Nora on December 21, 1949, at the St. Agnes Rectory in Iron River, MI. The couple celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary in 1982. Jack preceded her in death on June 28, 1983. She was employed at Iron Saving and Loan, retiring in 1989 as chief financial officer. Bessie was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Carrie Jacobs Bond Composing Threaders. She had been a volunteer at the Iron County Historical Museum and with the Hospital Auxiliary. Bessie enjoyed playing bridge and played with The Bridge Club for 50 years. She also enjoyed all types of card games, word games, and trivia. Bessie is survived by her daughters, Mary (Dean) Pelkey of Tomahawk, WI and Beth Nora of Chicago, IL; granddaughter, Angela (Scott) Borchardt of Tomahawk, WI; great-grandsons, Hunter and Brett Borchardt; many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Melford Shovald and John Shovald and sister, Florence Johnson. A private service will be held. Interment will be in Stambaugh Cemetery. The family would like to thank the Iron River Care Center for their kind and compassionate care during Bessie’s stay with them. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Bessie I. Nora, please visit our flower store.