Norma (Eichholz) Flaherty

Norma (Eichholz) Flaherty

Norma (Eichholz) Flaherty died June 11, 2012 in Howell, MI from complications of her diabetes. She was the daughter of George & Nina Eichholz. Norma graduated from GFHS in 1957 and then Links Business College in Nampa. In 1959 she married Tyrone O'Dell, who was stationed at Mtn. Home AFB. They had four children and were married for twenty years.

Norma met Charles Flaherty at a square dance and they were married in 1980. They moved into her dream home in Howell, MI shortly thereafter. She continued taking college classes throughout her life and retired from her Human Resources job for the State of MI. She joined and participated in many organizations, including a WWII group, Dodge Brother antique car club and the Experimental Air Craft Assoc. Norma also belonged to a sewing group and loved to grow and can her own vegetables.

She started a tradition of requiring medical students with a specialty in diabetes at the U of M to spend time in the homes of diabetics to help them understand the struggles they must face on a daily basis. She was also a dedicated volunteer at the local NOMI chapter, which helps mentally ill people and their families cope with and understand their disabilities.

She was preceded in death by her son, Mark O'Dell, her sister, Audrey Elaine and her brother Jim.

She is survived by her children, Peggy (Jim) Kessinger & Glen (Kathleen) O'Dell of Portland, OR and Janet (Brian) Bondie of Howell, MI., her sisters Loreen (Danny) Greene and Sandra (Jerry) Cranor and many grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held, Sat., June 30th at the Three-Island Senior Center at 2:00 pm. Please join us in celebrating her life.