Norma Jean Stryzinski

Norma Jean (Jostes) Stryzinski, born July 27, 1940, in Highland, Indiana and passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family, a love she so faithfully and generously gave throughout her life. She was the beloved daughter of Eugene and Grace Jostes.

Norma was one of a large and loving family, with siblings Eugene Jostes Jr. (Geneva), Betty Smith (Ned), William Jostes (Evelyn), Jim Jostes (Pat), Patricia Kratovil (Buck), Nancy Evans (Dick), and Donna Serrato (Dan), and her sister, Georjean Woosley (Joe), who is the only surviving sibling. From an early age, Norma’s vibrant personality and joyful spirit stood out. She was known as the “class clown” at Calumet Township High School, graduating in 1958, already bringing laughter and light to those around her.

On March 31, 1959, Norma married the love of her life, Bob, and together shared 67 years of marriage, a beautiful testament to unwavering love, deep faith, and enduring partnership. Together they raised seven children, Deborah, Michael, Ronald, Daniel, Rick, Kathryn, and Donna, who were not only her greatest accomplishment, but the very center of her heart and life’s purpose.

Norma was a proud grandmother to Allen, Gale, Laura, Haley, Aaron, Amber, Joseph, Joshua, Daniel, Eric, Michael, Grace, Jaclyn, and Alexis, and a cherished great grandmother to 13 great grandchildren. Her legacy lives on in each of them, in their laughter, their love, and the values she so intentionally and lovingly instilled.

In her early years, Norma attended beauty college from 1958 to 1959. She later owned and operated the Peachtree Palace, a restaurant and catering business, in the mid 1980s, where she shared one of her greatest gifts, bringing people together. Her home, like her heart, was always open. She was truly the life of the party, welcoming family and friends with warmth, joy, and unforgettable meals.

Cooking was at the heart of who she was. Every meal she prepared was not only incredibly delicious but also beautifully presented, especially her desserts! So much so, that dining out never quite compared. If her family came even close to recreating one of her dishes, it was considered a true victory. Every table she set was done with intention and care, and she found deep joy not just in preparing the meal, but in watching others enjoy it, often encouraging second and third helpings, even when no one had room left. To preserve the meals and memories she so lovingly created, Norma compiled a cookbook of her family’s favorite recipes ensuring that her traditions, flavors, and love will continue to be shared for generations to come.

Family vacations were another treasured part of Norma’s life. Her favorite place to gather with those she loved was along the shores of Lake Michigan, where time together meant laughter, relaxation, and cherished memories. One of her most beloved adventures was traveling to Germany with Bob during their retirement, a trip she held close to her heart as one of her all time favorites.

Family gatherings in her home were something truly special, filled with open arms, incredible food, laughter, music, and dancing. These moments became treasured memories, woven into the fabric of her family’s story. And in the midst of that joy, her signature exclamation, “Whoop whoop!” would ring out, perfectly capturing her playful spirit and love for life.

What a woman she was, a woman who loved the Lord and loved her family beyond measure. Her devotion was constant and unwavering, expressed daily through her prayers for the health, protection, and blessings of those she loved. A woman of deep and abiding faith, Norma converted to the Catholic faith right before marrying Bob and devoted her life to serving her church. She served as a Eucharistic Minister for Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Vincennes, assisted the priest during Mass, and brought communion and comfort to nursing home residents and those unable to leave their homes. She did not simply speak of faith, she lived it, quietly and faithfully, every day.

Norma was also a remarkable cancer survivor of 57 years, a testament to her strength, resilience, and trust in God.

She was the heart and rock of her family, the one everyone turned to. Known lovingly as the “information highway,” she was always the first to know and the first to show up, with love, wisdom, and reassurance. She loved to dance, had a joyful and “goofy” spirit, and could make anyone laugh.

To her husband, she was his beautiful wife and, in his words, “a saint,” selfless, compassionate, always thinking of others, and devoted beyond measure.

Norma Jean Stryzinski leaves behind more than memories, she leaves a legacy. A legacy of faith that trusts in God, love that gives without hesitation, and a life that showed others how to care deeply and live generously. She taught her family not only how to live, but how to love.

Though she is no longer with us, the warmth of her presence, the strength of her faith, and the depth of her love will continue to guide those she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed, forever cherished, and always remembered as the heart of her family.

“We will carry her love with us in everything we do.”

In lieu of flowers, we ask that a donation be made in honor of Norma to Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Vincennes (aka St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church) or to St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Fishers.

Condolences: www.randallroberts.com