Norma Dolores Schmidt-Colgren Obituary (1933

Norma Delores Schmidt-Colgren of Poulsbo, WA was born on August 11, 1933 to Lyman Dean and Eva Lena (Snyder) Cox in Lewiston, Idaho on a small two and a half acre piece of land up in what was called "The Orchards". Her parents were loving and caring, teaching her siblings (Dale and Arla) and Norma to be responsible and kind. Her father and mother were a great influence on her. They raised everything to eat on their land, while her dad worked 6 to 7 days a week at the Potlatch Paper Mill in Lewiston, Idaho. She would say that they had it all during the Great Depression because her mom and dad produced from their land much of what they needed. They were self-sufficient, even sewing their own clothing. Norma, learned to sew at a young age which transitioned into her interest in fashion. This love of fashion and design helped her to later receive a BA in Fashion from Washington State University (Spring 1955). In Norma's freshman year of college at the University of Idaho she met Howard Schmidt. He would court her through college, together later transferring to Washington State University for her eventual degree. On June 8, 1955, Norma married Howard Edward Schmidt. After the wedding Norma and Howard hopped in a car, drove across the US to Montreal Canada, boarded the Cunnard Ship Line to Liverpool, England, then biked and hitchhiked on the backs of Lorry beds across Europe for four months. They stayed in youth hostels, pensions, and visited various relatives along the way. She said airline flights in 1955 were very expensive, so the best route to Europe was still by ship. After returning to the US, she would tell great stories of this long honeymoon adventure. After the honeymoon, they returned back to WSU for Howard to complete his 5th year college, and start a family. Howard and Norma had many adventures, lots of love, and shared interests over the 55 years of their marriage. Travel was only one of their interests together. 55 years is to be celebrated. Norma's interests were varied, but at the heart of her loves were clothing design and art. She became a mom to four kids. She mentored, loved, and raised them. Later she would travel with her husband Howard on many trips, while raising kids, and later, after her kids moved on to their own lives. In her spare time, Norma's hobbies included painting, sewing, upholstery and gardening. Her journey continued after college, she worked to support her family as Howard finished his degree. They moved around many times in the early years of their marriage. From 1956 to 1960, Norma and Howard moved many times. They ended up in Seattle as Howard focused on his teaching career. They later moved to Bellevue, WA in the 1970's. They lived on SE 23rd Street for almost 40 years. Norma worked at many places prior to becoming a Real Estate Agent, in fact she started out part time in this field. She obtained her Washington State Realtor's License in 1965. Norma worked as a Real Estate Agent helping many people buy and sell homes. Along the way she made many long term friends with fellow agents. After retiring, she helped to create the "Out to Lunch Bunch" ladies group to regularly meet up with past real estate agent friends. Norma deeply treasured their friendships over the years. During her time in real estate, from the 1960's until retiring, Norma worked at McPhersons Real Estate, Century 21 Real Estate and John L. Scott Realty. After 55 years of marriage, her husband, Howard Schmidt passed away in 2010. A couple of years after Howards passing, Norma and Gary started up a friendship after a baseball game. She then married Gary Colgren in May 2016. They were married until Norma's passing on August 5, 2023. Norma and Gary were able to enjoy the Golden Years together with fond remembrances of both of their deceased spouse's. They could share their stories and enjoy each other's company. They have a history that goes back to WSU and a deep friendship between Howard and Gary. Howard and Gary were the best of friends for more than 58 years. The relationship Norma had with Gary was truly a treasure. They had much love, and much in common. She wrote in one of her personal essays that the time she shared with Gary was calm and peaceful. He makes me smile, and she cherished her time with Gary with love. It was truly the "Golden years". Norma is preceded in death by her first husband, Howard; sister, Arla Barnard; and brother, Dale Cox, both of whom lived in the neighboring state of Idaho. Norma's memory will live on with her husband, Gary Colgren of Poulsbo, WA; sons, Brent Schmidt (Sheryl) of Issaquah, WA, Braxton Schmidt of Poulsbo, WA, Brandon Schmidt of Leawood, KS and Gary's son, Richard Colgren (Nell) of Independence, OR; daughters, Annaliese Bendezu (Davis) of Celina, TX and Gary's daughter, Ann Weston of Independence, OR; grandchildren, Erica, Russell, Bronsen, Dante, Ryan, Carson, Nolan, and Rebecca; great-grandchildren, June and Alison; and Norma's best friend of 79 years, Thursa Herrett. A memorial service will be held at Raging River Church 31104 SE 86th St, Preston, WA 98027 on November 11th, 2023 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to: The Evergreen Freedom Foundation PO Box 552 Olympia, WA 98507 or at www.freedomfoundation.com/donate/ Arrangements are entrusted to The Stone Chapel Poulsbo Mortuary. An online memorial can be seen at www.poulsbomortuary.com