Norma Gene Raus

Norma Mary Gene Patricia Novak Raus was born in Canton, Ohio on July 22, 1930, and died peacefully in her sleep in Carlsbad, California on November 12, 2024. Norma was the fifth of seven children of John Michael Novak and Kathryn (Vaclav) Novak and was the last surviving member of her family.

Norma married Robert (Bob) Elmer Raus on October 4, 1958, in Canton, Ohio, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and their honeymoon was a cross-country trip with a final destination of Southern California much to the delight of their future children. Norma and Bob raised their five children in Orange County and loved having their family around them throughout the years.

Norma not only raised five children, but she also opened her home to anyone who wanted to join the family for dinner or just hang out amidst all the activity. She also had a career in real estate and as a clerical supervisor with the probation department before retiring to enjoy all of her grandkids and traveling with Bob. Norma and Bob loved to travel with friends and family and took many trips to Europe as well as Australia, Thailand, Greece, and Mexico.

Norma spent the last several years of her life in memory care under the loving supervision of the staff at ActivCare at Bressi Ranch in Carlsbad, California. She loved to share stories about her kids and grandkids with the residents and caregivers there, and was always ready with a smile when family would visit.

Norma is survived by her children Bret, Mark (and Anita Raus), Nicole (and Scott Chapman), Michele, and Georganne (Novak) (and Shelly Neal) and her grandchildren Jesse, Matthew, Vance, Wolf, Mary, Anthony, Luke, Geoffrey, Katie, Emily, Austin, and Chloe. We will especially miss her smile, her laughter, and her hugs…which were always at the ready for anyone in need. Per her wishes, there will be no formal service as Norma already had her last rites. In remembrance of this loving daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, mom, and grandma, please reach out to someone in your life that you love and tell them so.