Norma Jean Quintenz's Obituary
A longtime resident of Decatur’s west end, Norma Jean (Lallow) Quintenz, allegedly 91 despite insisting she was forever 27, died at home on May 20, 2024.
She was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Clarence and Mary (Holmberg) Lallow. She graduated from St. Teresa High School, class of 1950. She fell in love and married Lucian Nicholas Quintenz on September 13, 1952, at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Decatur. Being a very fashionable young woman, she walked down the aisle in a white knee-length wedding gown.
As an immensely private person, their courtship was never discussed, and her children look forward to reading the letters they wrote to each other before becoming engaged and while he was stationed in Korea.
Norma’s early marriage years were family focused, living in a series of small apartments and slightly bigger homes as their family grew. Norma was determined young woman. She enrolled and graduated as a Bookkeeper from Brown’s Business College in Decatur. She worked over the years, including at B Melnik Wholesale (Heating & Air Conditioning), managing their office and books between the numerous after-school calls from some of her children, who shall neither be named nor shamed. She later worked as a bookkeeper for B Schwartz Electrical Engineering. It was during this time, she supported and lovingly cared for her husband who was fighting cancer. He died in 1985 after 33 years of marriage. A painting of him when he was in the military hung in the family dining area for the rest of her life.
In her later years, Norma enjoyed volunteering, whittling, and occasionally traveling abroad. She had a fondness for stern discipline of her children and the occasional margarita or two.
Norma supported a number of organizations, but she was most fond of her volunteer work at the Children’s Museum of Illinois and always looked forward to working the front desk and watching the kids as they discovered new things.
She is survived by her remaining 4 children, Diane (Jon) Grubb of Decatur, James of Pittsburgh, PA, Todd of San Diego, CA, Beth of Pacifica, CA. She is also survived by her sister, Linda (Jerry) Turk of Pittsburgh, PA, and daughter-in-law, Trish.
Norma is preceded in death by her husband Lucian; sons, Philip, Michael, and Stephen (infant) and son-in-law, Joseph Morea
Norma was especially proud of her three wonderful grandchildren, Sean and Sarah Quintenz, and Toby Grubb, who affectionately knew her as Grandma Smurf and Noni. She also leaves behind 3 beautiful great-grandchildren.
As wine improves with age, Norma’s humor improved with wine. She loved to be at the table, sipping wine, laughing, playing cards or dominos, and wondering how she managed to raise such wonderful, modest children.
Her family is grateful for the exceptional care and love provided in her final months by Angels Among Us Senior Home Care. The loving caregivers gave Norma renewed energy and excitement and she looked forward to their arrival each day.
In keeping with Norma’s wishes, private family services will be held.
Graceland/Fairlawn is assisting the family with funeral services.
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