Norma Nelson Scolatti

Norma Nelson Scolatti, a resident of Wesley on Grand in Des Moines, died peacefully in the arms of her daughter Lisa on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at the age of 88. Norma was born on March 13, 1936 in Kingsford, Michigan, the eighth of ten children of Donald E. and Margaret L. (Kelly) Nelson. She grew up in Kingsford relishing life in a large and loving family. She was bright and accomplished in high school, with interests including debate, drama, yearbook staff, skiing and chorus. She graduated early, and at age 17 she began her freshman year at Michigan State University where she studied journalism and advertising. She left with a single suitcase and two siblings, driving almost 500 miles-including a ferry ride, and began her pursuit of a four-year degree.

Norma was naturally curious and committed to excellence in everything she did. She excelled in college, was passionate about her work on The State News, and an enthusiastic fan of MSU sports which she followed all her life. There she met her husband, David Alexander Scolatti, and they became engaged in her senior year. On January 4, 1958, Norma and David were married at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford. They moved to Menominee, Michigan where she pursued her career in journalism, holding positions that were historically held by men. In 1965, Norma’s only daughter was born and her desire to become a mother was fulfilled. These were happy years spent in a home she and David renovated on the shores of Lake Michigan where she enjoyed sailing and weekend trips to cheer on the Green Bay Packers.

In 1968, Norma and David left their home state of Michigan for Fairfield, Iowa where David had the opportunity to become the Publisher of The Fairfield Ledger. Norma was involved in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, volunteered her time and talent to many organizations, made lifelong friends, and delighted in motherhood. She made a beautiful home where people felt welcomed and worked part-time for the USDA. She and David separated, and she began a new life for her and her daughter in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1981. She built a career with the Cedar Rapids Gazette, leading major account advertising sales for 19 years. Norma was independent, strong, hard-working, non-judgmental, inclusive, resilient, loved to laugh, and cared about people-especially her family. She enjoyed traveling with her sisters, and annual family reunions at the family hunting camp on the Michigamme River. These gatherings were loud and lively, as Norma was an aunt to 43 nieces and nephews.

She became a grandmother to Marie on May 25, 1999, and this was the role in life she loved most in life. She moved to Des Moines in 2011 and quickly became immersed in the Holy Trinity and Beaverdale communities. Her granddaughter walked to her house each day after school for snacks, schoolwork and fun. They had a strict policy, what happens at grandma’s-stays at grandmas. Norma was spotted at all dance recitals, sports events, choir concerts, school and church activities. She traveled extensively with her daughter’s family, and she enjoyed her time at their home in the Bahamas immensely, especially when she was on the water in a boat.

In recent years, she lived at Vintage Place, a senior cooperative in Beaverdale and later moved to Wesley on Grand’s Austin Center when she lost her mobility and needed more assistance. She believed in blooming where you are planted, and she made the most of her final years. She built friendships with the residents and staff at Wesley. While she loved to talk, she was also a good listener who cared, helped and advised. Many have shared beautiful stories with her family since her passing.

Norma is survived by one sibling, Patricia (Dein) Nolf, her daughter Lisa Scolatti Anderson, son-in-law Rick Anderson, and granddaughter Marie Anderson. She was a step-grandmother to Mike (Eva) Anderson, Robyn (Rick) Baldenegro, and Jon Anderson, and step-great grandmother to Luca and Valentina Anderson, and Lola and Leo Baldenegro.

Her funeral service will be held in the auditorium at Wesley on Grand, 3520 Grand Avenue, Des Moines on Monday, November 18, 2024 at 4:00 pm. A celebration of her life will be held in the Chamberlain Pub following the funeral until 7:00 pm, with many of Norma’s favorite foods, live music and a hosted bar. All are welcome.

Those who wish to honor Norma’s memory may make contribute to the One Eleuthera Foundation-Harbour Island Trade School in the Bahamas or Holy Trinity Catholic School in Des Moines.