Norma L. Wasson

Norma Louise (Reinhard) Wasson, age 80, long time resident of Put-in-Bay, Ohio, peacefully passed away Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at the Cleveland Clinic in the company of family. Norma was born on August 5, 1928 to Bessie and Henry Reinhard of Put-in-Bay. Norma lived and worked in Toledo as an administrative assistant following her graduation from PIB High School in 1947. She was a single career woman until she was finally swept off her feet by Donald Wasson, a decorated WWII veteran, master of the jitterbug, and love of her life. They were married in 1962 and made their first home in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio and later, Monroe Falls where they lived until their retirements. In 1978, Norma and Don made a permanent move back to the island and into the former residence of Norma's parents. She lived briefly off island the last year and a half, residing at The Otterbein Home in Lakeside, Ohio where she was touched by the attention and kindness of the community and staff. Norma will be remembered for her exuberance for life, her love of family and friends, and her commitment to the community she loved. Throughout her life Norma was actively involved in many civic organizations. She supported the PIB Historical Society, was a past president and secretary of the American Legion Woman's Auxiliary, a Major in the Salvation Army, a member of the Red Hat Society and the PIB Yacht Club, and active member of the Senior Citizen's group and a past president of the PIB Alumni. She loved nature and bird watching and was a member of the Audubon and Wildlife Societies. Like her mother before her, Norma was a life-long journal writer and, until recently, wrote articles for the PIB Gazette that contained memories of the way life used to be on the island. Norma also served in many capacities in St. Paul's Episcopal Church, where she was baptized and confirmed. Norma and her husband, Don were lay readers and Eucharistic ministers most of the years they lived on the island. Norma also served on vestry and held office as Senior Warden for a number of years. On Sundays when no minister was available to lead the service, Norma would lead Morning Prayer for the congregation. She is predeceased by her husband, Donald; her sisters, Lola Riddle and Donna Taylor; her brother in-law, Ronald Taylor; her brother, Tim Reinhard; and her beloved niece and Godchild, Robin Taylor Murphy. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Laurence and Gerry Reinhard of Brookpark, Ohio. She's also survived by her step-son, Geoffrey of Canfield, Ohio, and her step-daughter, Leslie, who resides in Hanover, California. Norma was named Godmother to a number of her nieces and nephews and remained closely connected to many of her siblings' children throughout her life, remembering their birthdays and special occasions. She leaves behind Bill Brennan, Tom Brennan and Kathy (Brennan) Sutton children of Lola; Terry Taylor, Steven Taylor, Douglas Taylor, and Ronald Taylor, children of Donna; and Denise (Reinhard) Johnson, Susan (Reinhard) Nagy, and Alan Reinhard, children of Laurence. A memorial service and celebration of Norma's life has been arranged for Columbus Day weekend on Put-in-Bay. Norma's friends and family are invited to gather at Tony's Place from 5:00-8:00 on Friday, Oct.9th to pay tribute to her life. A memorial service will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 10:00, with internment at Maple Leaf Cemetery immediately following. A luncheon will be provided in the undercroft of St. Paul's following the internment. Please direct memorial donations to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Put-in-Bay, Ohio. Funeral Home: Neidecker-LeVeck & Crosser Funeral Home - Port Clinton Chapel 1124 Fulton Street Port Clinton, OH