Norma K. (Jennings) Coen was born on March 22, 1932, in Eureka and passed from her earthly life on April 22, 2022, while being tenderly cared for at Frye’s Care Home. Her daughter Pam, granddaughters Paige and Abi and great-grandson Louis were able to be there for her passing. They were able to play the girls (Claire included) and the Redwood Coast Children’s Chorus singing “Swing Low. Sweet Chariot.”

Norma’s parents were Edward (Ted) E. Jennings and Nevada (Vada) California (Myers) Jennings. Ted was a lineman for Pacific Telephone and Vada worked at Norman’s Cleaners in Henderson Center. Norma spent much of her childhood in Myers Flat where she was the youngest of the cousins and always felt she had to be tougher and meaner than all of them just to keep up!

Norma married Captain (USAF) Charles C. Coen on November 6, 1949. She went on to be an Officer’s wife for the next 20 years. She moved her family, Rick, Deryl, and Pam as Chuck was stationed in California, Texas, Arizona, Maine, Puerto Rico, and Michigan. Through all this moving Norma was determined that her children would grow up knowing their grandparents. Before each move she brought the kids to Myers Flat to spend time with extended family. Norma also returned with her kids after the 1964 flood destroyed Myers Flat. She remembered that her dad Ted said: “I knew you’d come McGee.” Chuck retired in 1967 and they settled in Fortuna.

The moving was not over as Chuck launched a second career as a building official. They settled in Nevada City until they desire to be close to their grandkids led them to move to Weaverville, they bought a sign and hung it in their house stating “If I had known grandchildren were this much fun, I would have had them first. Their grandchildren were able to spend many happy hours, swimming, eating strawberry waffles and being loved on by Papa and Grandma. Both Norma and Chuck were active in Weaverville’s Golden Age Center. Norma baked and sold cookies to help pay off the Center’s mortgage. For many years Norma found friendship, a sense of purpose, hard work and downright fun at the Center.

Due to health conditions, Norma moved back to Eureka in 2018. Her return to Humboldt County brought back many memories for Norma. She loved going to the beach, believing that all her worries would fade away as she sat by the ocean listening to the waves. Norma also enjoyed sight seeing around Eureka and admiring the different architectural styles.

Norma is remembered as being spunky, sweet, fiercely loyal to family and friends, hilariously funny, super-outgoing, hard-working, and generous. She was also known as a baby and dog lover. One of her friends once wished that after he died, he could come back as one of Norma’s dogs! Norma is survived by her daughter Pam, grandchildren; Michael, Sasha, Claire, Paige and Abigail and great grandchildren; Piper, Harper, Kaine, Louis and Elijah. She was preceded in death by her parents Ted and Vada, husband Chuck and her sons Rick and Deryl.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to everyone at the Golden Age Center, all of the staff at Frye’s Care Home, Hospice of Humboldt and Ayres Family Cremation. In honor of Norma’s wishes there will not be a memorial service. A family graveside service will be planned for a later date.

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