Norma E. Johnson

Norma Elizabeth Bicigo Johnson, age 96, of Iron River, MI, passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at Florence Health Services in Florence, WI. She was kind, creative, smart, and spirited. Norma was born on November 24, 1923 in Amasa, MI, the fifth child of the late Antonio Bicigo and Mary (Passamani) Hill. She attended the Iron River Schools and graduated. Although well-travelled, Norma always considered Iron River as her home, and was proud to say so. Norma is survived by her son, Dennis (Dorothy) Johnson of Clearwater, FL; daughter Mary (John) Wescott of Center Barnstead, NH; brother, Jerry Hill of Savanah, TN; friend/caretaker Marsha Sleeman; many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Gerald Bicigo, Albert Bicigo, and Charles Hill; and sisters, Adeline Westcott, Emma Johnson, Marie Mulqueen, and Betty Willison Switzer. Norma married Vernon Russell Johnson on December 21, 1946 in Iron River. They made their first home in Milwaukee, WI, subsequently living in New York, Minnesota, Florida, Lower Michigan, New Jersey, and Connecticut. They returned to Iron River in 1985, building their retirement home on Ice Lake, surrounded by friends and family. They enjoyed travelling across the USA. Vern drove and Norma navigated. However, their biggest trip was a visit to Germany. Both were very creative, and they enjoyed working on projects together. Elaborate Halloween costumes and an automated trick or treat robot were just a few of their fun creations. Norma and Vern celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary in 1995.  Vernon preceded her in death on January 26, 1996. Norma enjoyed the challenge of a good puzzle, but her favorite game was bridge. She was a member of several clubs in and around Iron River. Music was very important to her, and she spent many hours listening to Josh Groban, Daniel O’Donnell, and Dean Martin. She loved sports, following college and pro football, baseball, hockey, and basketball. We saw her, on one occasion, reading the sports page, watching a football game on TV, and listening to a hockey game on the radio, all at the same time. Norma always needed a creative outlet. She and her partner in crime, Jean Russell, joined forces to make many beautiful Christmas ornaments and decorate trees for display at the Iron County Museum. Always very family-oriented, she and Vern kept in touch with friends and family. They sent hundreds of Christmas Cards – often handmade – to folks across the country, and Norma continued the tradition after Vern passed. She also spent hours on the phone keeping up with nieces and nephews, and many good friends. She loved children, and they loved her right back. Norma had a special connection with little people, even in her later years, and was happiest making toys and sharing books with children. We’ll miss Norma. She leaves behind sweet and saucy memories, and important lessons of courage and kindness. A memorial service will be held in the spring. Interment will be in Bates Township Cemetery. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Norma E. Johnson, please visit our flower store.