Norma Jean Worth Brigham

Norma Jean MacDonald Worth Brigham passed away on June 9, 2021, at home.

Norma was born April 11, 1924, to Adrian Roy MacDonald and Rosetta May Nickerson in Manton, MI.  She is survived by one sibling, Emma Joy Schleben. She married Gordon Worth on February 11, 1941. They had 11 children over the span of 30 years. Carol (Ron) Clute, Rose (Bill) Bates, Gordon (Patty) Worth, Richard (Alice) Worth, Joan (Brad) Gabrielson, Larry (Debra) Worth, Leonard (Trudy) Worth, Karen (Peter) Pettalia, Cheryl (Mark) Collins, Evon (Charles) Ruth and Renee (Mike) Marchlewski. She is preceded in death by her husband Gordon in 1971, son, Leonard, sons-in-law Bill Bates, Peter Pettalia, and two grandsons. 

Neighborhood, extended family children were always welcome in Norma’s home with a big pot of something warm and delicious on the stove with homemade bread waiting. Norma was a cook for Camp Chicagami on Lake Esau and Fireside Inn on Grand Lake for many years. That's where she met Howard Brigham and married him in 1980. They bought acreage on Long Lake Narrows. He preceded her in death in 1997. One of Norma’s greatest loves in life were her horses. A feisty energetic woman, her children bought her a smaller chainsaw for her 80th birthday because they couldn't stop her from working outside or riding her tractor.  Her wishes were to remain home to be able to watch her horses romp in the field until her last breath. Her children honored her wishes and she was surrounded by family on her passing.  Norma has 20 living grandchildren, 5 generations of nieces, nephews, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, too many to mention here. She will be missed by all. 

Visitation will take place on Monday, June 14, 2021, at Bannan Funeral Home from 12 p.m. until the funeral service at 2 p.m. with Rev. Arnie Kirschner officiating. Friends and family can gather to share stories and remember this woman whom neighborhood children, as adults, call "the salt of the earth". For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available online at www.bannanfuneralhome.com. May God welcome this amazing woman into heaven to be sure all carry their weight through eternity. On angels’ wings Mom. Thank you from all of us.

Interment:  Evergreen Cemetery

Memorials: Second Chance Animal Shelter or Hospice of Michigan