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Norma Jean
Shank
Jun 25, 1933 — Nov 5, 2022
Norma Jean (nee Goodwin) Shank, 89, passed away early on November 5, 2022, at Creekside Center, Hagerstown, MD. Born June 25, 1933 in Connellsville, PA, she was the daughter of the late Kledious Scott Goodwin Sr and Emma Viola (Rider) Goodwin. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Earl Eugene Shank Jr, a brother, Kledious Scott Goodwin Jr, and her beloved kitty, Tara.
Norma graduated from Dunbar High School (PA) in 1951 where she was in the Secretarial Club, secretary of the Student Council, secretary of Tri-Hi-Y, a member of the Librarian Club, and a member of the yearbook staff. The year book said of her "never too busy to help anyone" and "sweet smile" – something she maintained throughout her life. Prior to graduation she worked in a drug store in which her future husband was the pharmacist. However, he did not ask her for a date until she graduated high school. After her high school graduation, she worked as secretary for the local Superintendent of Schools. She was married in 1953 and worked in the pharmacies owned by her husband in Emmitsburg, MD and Confluence, PA. They moved to Middletown, MD in the early 1970's where she worked for Brosius Homes as an Accountant and later for over 20 years at Fort Detrick for the Cancer Research Center from which she retired as a Financial Analyst in 1998. In 2006, she and her husband moved to Southpointe in Hagerstown where she resided until moving to Robinwood Assisted Living in 2017. She was a member of the Beaver Creek Christian Church.
She was known by her family and friends for her wonderful cooking skills with perfect meals for the holidays and special occasions, as well as incredible cinnamon rolls and orange cookies. She is remembered by her daughters as a loving, understanding, and supportive parent. She loved attending concerts and seeing acts like The Statler Brothers, George Jones, and Eddy Arnold. She fondly remembered Maryland Theatre performances with Roger Whittaker, Johnny Cash, and Harry Belafonte and Kennedy Center shows with Liberace, Bernadette Peters, and Phantom of the Opera. With her younger daughter and granddaughter she visited Sea World and Niagara Falls as well as many Disney on Ice performances. She was also known for her flawless skin. From the East to the West Coast, ladies would stop and compliment her skin and ask for her secret.
She is survived by her daughters Cynthia Shank of Maryland, Katharine Offutt (Paul) of Florida, and granddaughter Michelle Currey of Maryland. Also surviving are siblings Dorothy Montgomery in Ohio, Harry (Connie) Goodwin in Ohio, and Betty (Tom) Marzano in Texas, as well as many nieces and nephews. Special thanks go to two incredible people who assisted in her final years: Terri Allbritton who she considered a very special friend who always made her laugh and Debra Hunt who would bring her special treats, shared scripture with her, and helped take care of her kitty, Tara. They have both earned their wings for their care and love of Norma.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 19 at 11 am at Beaver Creek Christian Church, 9711 Beaver Creek Church Road in Hagerstown. Cremated remains will be interred at Rose Hill Cemetery with her spouse and Tara. Arrangements were entrusted to Minnich Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donate in her memory to your local humane society or Beaver Creek Christian Church, 9711 Beaver Creek Church Road, Hagerstown, MD, 21740.
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