November 16, 1937 – July 16, 2026
Norma Pauline Jeske, 88, of Parrish, Florida, peacefully passed away on July 16, 2026, surrounded by love. She was born on November 16, 1937, in Pomona, California, to the late Norman Unroe and Leona Unroe.
Norma lived a life defined by compassion, service, and love for her family and especially her animals. A gifted student, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics before pursuing her true calling as a Registered Nurse. Throughout her nursing career, she touched countless lives with her kindness, dedication, and gentle spirit, providing comfort and care to those who needed it most.
She had an extraordinary love for animals, especially senior dogs. Over the years, Norma rescued many older dogs, opening her home and heart to those often overlooked, giving them the love, comfort, and security they deserved. Her compassion knew no bounds.
Norma is lovingly survived by her daughters, Christine Mikolas(Tom) and Cathleen McGrath (Steve); her grandsons, Christopher Carter, Jeffrey Carter (Kirelys), and Steve McGrath Jr. (Jennifer); her sister, Lillian Johnsen; her brother, Michael Unroe (Lynn); her nephew, Aaron, her niece, Laura Johnsen (Tony); and her great-niece, Amanda Johnsen (Steve).
She was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Leona Unroe; her sons, Kenneth Curwin and Stephen Curwin; her infant daughters, Teresa Lynn Curwin and Pamela Sue Curwin; her brother-in-law, Lee Johnsen; and her nephew, Gary Johnsen.
A private graveside service will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Windridge Memorial Park in Cary, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the ASPCA, your local Humane Society, or a senior dog rescue organization in Norma’s memory. There would be no greater tribute to her life than helping an animal in need, just as she did so many times throughout her own.
Norma’s kindness and gentle spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. While our hearts mourn her loss, we find peace in knowing she is now at rest and reunited with those who have gone before her. Her legacy of compassion will live on in the lives she touched and in every animal given a second chance because of hearts like hers.
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