Big Bay–– Norma Renee (Picard) Hammond, of Big Bay, entered eternal life Friday morning, February 9, 2007, in the Hospice Suite located at Marquette General Hospital, following a valiant seven year battle with cancer.
Norma was born January 8, 1949, at St. Luke’s Hospital, Marquette, a daughter of Raymond and Gladys (Knutson) Picard. She attended the Powell Township Elementary School, the John D. Pierce School, and was a 1967 graduate of the Marquette Senior High School. She later received an associate degree in advertising design from the Kendall School of Art in Grand Rapids.
Beginning in 1966, Norma began working at the Bay Cliff Health Camp, serving in various positions of camp aid, cook, and counselor for many years. She especially enjoyed working with the children. Norma was also employed as a snack counter manager at the former Marquette K-Mart, and was the assistant postmaster at Big Bay for 15 years. Norma loved being with her family, especially the grandchildren. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and vegetables, and was an excellent and creative cook. She was also an artist, using both pencil and water colors.
Norma was an active member of the Community Presbyterian Church in Big Bay for 30 years, serving as a deacon, singing in the choir, and teaching Sunday School. She also was a member of the church’s Ladies Aid and helped cook many of the dinner events.
Norma is survived by her husband, Douglas Hammond; four children, Shawna Stephenson, Josh (Suzette) Stephenson, Leticia (Michael) Appleton, and Amanda Stephenson; her mother and step-father, Gladys (Picard) and Robert Trickett; grandchildren, Ardan Welker, Michael Appleton, Kylee Appleton, and Annie June Sunshine Stephenson. In addition, she is survived by two half sisters and two half brothers and their father in Minnesota. Norma was preceded in death by her father, Ray Picard; a granddaughter, Alexa Alena Young; a half sister; and her grandparents.
Friends may call at the Community Presbyterian Church in Big Bay on Tuesday, February 13, beginning at 3:00 pm. Services will follow at 4:00 pm Tuesday afternoon with Rev. Carolyn M. Raffensperger, presiding. A reception for family and friends will be held in the church fellowship hall. In ieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to Norma’s family.
.