A bright spirit and beloved wife and mother, Norma Lorraine Beddow passed away peacefully on January 12, 2021.

She was born on September 23, 1933, to Charles and Edith Clifford in Detroit, MI. It was there that she met her beloved husband, John Beddow. She was a respected business owner, building many lifelong relationships while positively impacting the lives of others.

She lived most of her life in Grosse Pointe, MI, where the couple lovingly raised their children. Later Norma and John retired to Southport, NC where she continued to enjoy her passions: cooking, traveling with family and friends, and most importantly family gatherings.

She and her husband John were devoted to one another, and remained married for 56 years until John passed. Their relationship was exemplary: loving, supportive, and affectionate.

A true nurturer, Norma had an innate gift for making others feel instantly at home, welcome, and loved. Generous, selfless, and caring, she always put others first, particularly when it came to her family, who had her whole heart.

She believed in the goodness of people — especially the people closest to her — and was perpetually lifting them up and offering unconditional support.

As it was with her personality, so it was with her home: lovely and tasteful, it also managed to be relaxed and comfortable to gather. Many long hours were enjoyed there with friends and family in deep discussion or idle chit chat, depending on the tenor of the day.

And then, of course, there were her festive holiday feasts, like Christmas eve, complete with beautifully wrapped gifts for every guest, and the gourmet meals she’d whip up for Easter and Thanksgiving.

The same enthusiasm spilled over to her cherished trips with family and friends; Norma was always the catalyst for fun and adventure.

She was the ultimate motherly role model, her example of devotion and loving care is a legacy that will extend through the generations that follow.

Throughout her life she remained close with her children, nieces, nephews and extended family. With her there was no shortage of love to give.

A 27-year breast cancer survivor, Norma was also strong and determined — both a lover and a fighter.

Norma is survived by son Charles Frederic Beddow (Jackie) and daughter Beverly Jean Gross (Bradley); grandchildren Blake Beddow, Brett Beddow, Brad Beddow, Ivy Beddow, Ryan Gross, Jenna Gross, and Andrew Gross; and great-grandson Jackson Gross.

She was preceded in death by husband John Frederic Beddow and son David John Beddow.

Norma’s warmth, heart and familial devotion will be forever missed by those who knew her. In the words of George Sand: “There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved” — and that was the essence of Norma.