Mary Ann Norgaard

Mary Ann (Shirley) Norgaard passed away at the Senior Living Choices Assisted Living Facility in Curtis, Nebraska on Monday, July 3, 2023 at the age of 91 with her family at her side.

Mary Ann was born January 2, 1932 at their rural home near Stockville, Nebraska to Thomas Clarence and Isabell Irene (Wagner) Shirley where she was the youngest of 6 children. During her childhood she lived in several locations in Frontier County, Nebraska. She attended high school at U.N.S.A in Curtis, Nebraska graduating in 1949 with Normal Training. Following graduation, Mary Ann taught at a rural schoolhouse west of Maywood. She was united in marriage to Arlo Ray Norgaard June 8, 1952. They made their home on the Norgaard farm west of Maywood, Nebraska. Three children were born to this union, Vana, Vernon and Vicky.

Mary Ann enjoyed helping Arlo on the farm, caring for the family, gardening and playing the piano. She spent many hours preserving the bounties from her garden for her family to enjoy, Mary Ann had a fabulous green thumb and was the envy of many. In 1991 Mary Ann and Arlo moved to town where she continued to garden and raise beautiful roses. She lost the love of her life, Arlo, in 2007. She continued to live at home and care for her family, especially her grandchildren.  

Preceding her in death were her parents, Isabell and Thomas, husband Arlo, sister Margaret (Jerry) Boner, bothers Thomas (Jean), William (Vera), James, and Robert.  

Those left to celebrate her life include her children; Vana LaVonne (Max) Hejtmanek, Orleans, Nebraska; Vernon Ray (Brandi) Norgaard, Maywood, Nebraska; Vicky Ann (Neil) Hendricks, Oconto, Nebraska. Grandchildren, Amanda Terrell (Jason), Jacqueline Broeker (Matt), Daniel Hejtmanek (Megan), Clinton Norgaard, Melody Jensen (Cash), Jennifer Flood (Jim), Sarah Plonkey (Kent), Clayton Hendricks (McKenzie), Trisha Vest (Dan). 16 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, Sister-in-law Jean Shirley.

Funeral services will be held Friday, July 7, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Maywood Methodist Church with Pastor Shanon Williams officiating.

Burial followed in the Maywood Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Maywood Volunteer Fire Department.