Norma Geraldine Parrack

Norma G. Parrack (Joray), 95, passed away on Monday, August 17, 2020 at Rosewood Health and Rehab at the Groves in Independence, MO. Her life will be celebrated with a private Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, August 21, 2020, and burial to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Norma was born August 12, 1925 in Kansas City, Missouri to Lawrence H. Joray and Margaret C. Joray. She attended St. Francis Xavier School and went on to St. Vincent Academy. After graduating in 1942, she went out into the workforce. She was working at Lowe and Campbell Sporting Goods Co. where she met her husband, Maurice Clayton Parrack on D-Day. They were married two years later at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church on June 6, 1946. They raised three children and shared 67 years together before his death in 2014. Norma was a homemaker for many years, raising her children, taking care of ill relatives, volunteering at church, school and her community in any way she could. She worked in the church office, helping create the weekly bulletins for Mass, the school library, worked from beginning to end at the church Mardi Gras and Ice Cream Social each year. Whether that be running a booth, helping with food or providing musical entertainment with her Girl Scout Troop. Scouting was something Norma held very dear. Starting out as a Den Mother for son, David, and then a Girl Scout Leader for both daughters, Diane and Linda. Leading their troops from Brownies to Cadet Scouts, weekly meetings, field trips, overnights, and badge work. Included in that Norma helped many scouts complete the work for the Mary Our Mother Award and later Marion Award. This part of scouting was a passion of hers, so much so, she went on to help other scouts long after her own children were no longer in scouting.

Norma received the St. Ann’s Award from the Diocese for her years of dedicated service to scouting and the church.

In the late 1960’s Norma returned to the workforce. She worked many years for Marley Cooling Tower Co. as a Steel Allocator and later at Cunningham Oldsmobile before retiring.

Norma loved doing puzzles of any kind, playing cards and games, sewing, cooking, and fishing. Most of all she loved spending time with Maurice and her family, especially at the Lake of the Ozarks, where once she caught 13 fish on one minnow.

Norma loved celebrating everything, family success, the smallest of holidays and the family milestones. She was the maker of memories. Traditions were very important to her and the family holidays and celebrations will never be forgotten. She loved it all, from the decorations and food, to the piano music. Playing all the traditional songs and one year surprising the grandkids by playing “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer”.

Norma is preceded in death by her husband, Maurice, her parents, one younger brother (Larry), and grandson-in-law (Darin). Survivors include her three children and their spouses; Dr. David (Kristina) Parrack, Prescott, AZ, Diane (Peter) Menzies, Overland Park, KS, and Linda (Michael) Smith, North Kansas City, MO, 11 grandchildren and their spouses, 25 great-grandchildren, plus one on the way.

Norma’s family would like to thank One Community Hospice for their care and guidance over the past few weeks. The family also feels there are no words to express the appreciation they feel towards the staff on 2 South at Rosewood Health and Rehab. The care, compassion and love they provided Norma over the past few years will never be forgotten.