Norma Maxine Al-Imari

Norma Maxine Woolsey Al-Imari was born to Fearel Lars and Blanche Bertha Woolsey on Friday, September 13, 1935 in Lehi, Utah. Their family later relocated to Logan when Norma was five years old and where she lived until her passing on March 30, 2016.

Norma often welcomed those who felt forsaken when they had nowhere else to turn and embraced with Christ-like compassion. If we’re set on the idea of summing up her journey in this life we should consider it many things; however, we’d likely find the term, “empathy” fits quite nicely. No matter the situation, be it illness, loss, or need, Norma would show empathy while it seemed everyone else would simply say, I’m sorry. Moreover, she always knew how to feel joy or pride alongside anyone in their triumphs without assuming any for herself.

Her recent passing has lent her family and loved one’s the opportunity to reflect on memories filled with integrity, compassion, and music. She lived with a great deal of joy and didn’t allow her insecurities, fears, or personal sorrows to sway or diminish her love for other people.

Norma found a kindred soul in Karim Al-Imari and they were married in 1957. She was grateful for the opportunity to raise three wonderful children; Jeddie, Leila, and Dana, in whom she worked to instill the value of a person’s character. Often upon parting ways, whether it be with her children or grandchildren she’d often utter the words, “Remember who you are,” showcasing the importance of character and her hope of that philosophy taking root in others.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Norma found comfort in the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the plan of salvation, and teachings of modern day prophets. Her membership afforded her some of the greatest joys of her life, notably as the Stake Chorister and creator of the ‘Christmas Musicale,’ an annual celebration of Christ’s birth that was performed for 13 years. She loved this production and all of the people and choir’s involved. Norma also served as a ward chorister for over 20 years and thoroughly enjoyed her time spent teaching the children in the primary.

Beyond her work as a chorister Norma was passionate about music and its ability to make people feel true emotion. She began singing as a 3 year old and later learned to read music and play the piano. She loved her opportunities to perform in numerous Road Shows, as well as the Cache Lite Opera Guild, and the production of Oliver. Another highlight of her musical life was the opportunity to sing with the “Toolson Combo”.

With Norma, you’d often be required to do a double take due to her quick wit and unique sense of humor. When she was 55, Norma sang and danced at the Dairy Princess contest in a chicken outfit. She always enjoyed making afghans, quilting, decorating, reading, writing stories and poetry, crafts, candy making, growing plants and helping others. She loved her time working at Keith’s Marketplace, Grandma’s Quilts, and Division of Family Services.

Norma’s family would like to express their gratitude and thanks for all of the doctors and healthcare aides that have been so supportive and compassionate to Norma. A very special thank you to all of those of whom she got to know while at Legacy House—she adored getting to know each of you and learning about you, your families and lives.

Anyone that found themselves around Norma could resonate with the famous tune from the musical Oliver that states, “Consider yourself... at home. Consider yourself... one of the family. We've taken to you... so strong. It's clear... we're... going to get along!” Her welcoming nature and commitment to hearing other people made her comfortable to be alongside and made everyone feel like one of the family. Now that she’s passed from this life, we’d like to think that she’s experienced something like, “Consider yourself... at home. Consider yourself... one of the family.”

Norma was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters Madge Gittens & Carol Henderson and daughter-in-law, Jane Ann Al-Imari. She is survived by her three wonderful children Jeddie (Kathleen) Al-Imari, Leila (Paul) Neilson, Dana (Anna) Al-Imari and two brothers Dennis (Sheila) Woolsey and Steven (Janet) Woolsey, 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

A viewing will be held at the Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 E. Center St., Logan, on Thursday, April 7 from 6 to 8 pm and again Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 am. Funeral services will follow at 11 am at the Allen-Hall Mortuary. Interment will be in the Logan Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online by visiting www.allenmortuaries.net .