Norma Fern Schultz

Norma Schultz dedicated her life entirely to family, compassion, and helping others realize their fullest potential. She made everyone around her better by generously offering advice, solving problems with wisdom and care, and never being too busy to enjoy or share a good juicy story. An avid reader, Norma’s passion for books and storytelling further enriched her connections with others. She represented the best in all of us, exemplifying love, compassion, and strength in every aspect of her life.

She eagerly anticipated celebrating her 81st birthday on March 9th, a joyful reunion planned with all her beloved sons.

Raised in Chicago, Norma attended Roosevelt University, where her vibrant personality and genuine affection touched everyone she encountered. Her true calling was motherhood. Norma raised four sons—Steve, Brian, Brad, and Jonathan—dedicating herself selflessly to their growth and success. Her parenting philosophy was simple yet profound: accountability for actions paired with freedom of choice. She believed deeply in the power of family, reminding her granddaughter during their last conversation, "Things will come and go, but family is constant and forever—never take family for granted."

A remarkable trailblazer, Norma taught high school English in South Chicago. During the Black Panther riots, her students ensured her safe passage to class daily. Her gift for writing benefited many beyond her immediate family, helping numerous friends gain acceptance into college through her generous assistance. Norma later became the second female Allstate insurance agent in company history. She built her career standing beneath the escalator at the Thousand Oaks Sears, where her kindness, patience, and empathy provided essential guidance and care to countless clients. Later in life, she moved to Sacramento, forming deep friendships and engaging in a vibrant social life filled with cruises, day trips, and lively evenings playing Mexican Train and Mahjong.

Norma was known for her elegance and charm, always impeccably dressed with perfectly matched jewelry and shoes. She hosted elegant gatherings, affectionately known as "fancy lady parties," and always left the house meticulously put together, with hair styled, makeup perfected, and nails freshly manicured. Her passion extended to gardening, cultivating beautiful roses, succulents, and cherished jade plants originating from her brother Jake’s home.

Her greatest joy came from celebrating and attending her grandchildren's many milestones, proudly supporting Ashley, Madison, Frank, Vanessa, Jaden, Shelby, Sarah, Charlotte, Sam, Lilly, Michael, Alex, Mayson, and Amelia.

Each of her sons uniquely embodied her legacy: Steve, admired by Norma for his sharp intellect, quick wit, exceptional success as an attorney, and steadfast dedication to family; Brian, whose profound bond with Norma strengthened through life's adversities, celebrated for his resilience, warmth, constant communication, and compassionate heart; Brad, whose exceptional sensitivity, humor, and unwavering affection for his daughters filled Norma with deep pride; and Jonathan, whose innovative entrepreneurial spirit, genuine passion for helping others succeed, and steadfast devotion to his children continually inspired her.

Norma deeply cherished her extended family, including her cousins Karen (Mark and Garrett), Phyllis (Angela and Jenna), Harvey (Michelle), and dear cousins Lila, Beverly, Rob, and Michael. She treasured lifelong bonds, especially with cousin Harvey, who lived just a block away in Chicago. They enjoyed many simple joys together, like sharing meals of soup, celebrating every birthday and holiday regularly, and supporting each other through life. Harvey was not only her cousin but also an advisor and supportive figure to Norma’s sons. Norma remained close with her brother Mark, never complained about her health, and always remained upbeat, eagerly looking forward to family gatherings.

Norma’s greatest wish was for her family to remain closely connected, to continue planning gatherings, and to create treasured memories together. Today, as we honor her memory, each of us is invited to plant a piece of jade as a living symbol of Norma's strength, enduring love, and dedication to family.

In Norma’s honor, let us commit to nurturing our connections, creating magical moments, and embracing the wisdom she lived by—that family is forever. Reflecting on a life devoted entirely to loving and empowering others, we remember: "The greatest legacy one can leave is a life filled with love." Everyone who knew Norma knew they were deeply loved—there is no doubt we all knew we were loved.

There will be a celebration of life immediately after the funeral service at Steve and Sonia’s house, 11840 Trailrider Ct., Elk Grove, CA 95624.