Obituary of Norma Lee Meyer

Surrounded by her family at home, Norma Lee Meyer passed away on the evening of December 10, 2017. Norma Lee was born in Checotah, OK on June 26, 1927. She was the only child of Dr. Pleas and Hazel Nichols Sizemore. All of her life, Norma was inspired by both her paternal and maternal grandparents. Her grandmother, Lottie Sizemore, was an accomplished midwife in Blue Mountain, AR, and the Nicholses had a proud heritage recognized by First Families of the Twin Territories. Grandparents Lee and Melissa Ann Ashford Nichols were married and lived in the Choctaw National Indian Territory beginning in April, 1891. So many of Norma's ancestral lines conjure colorful stories of American pioneers. Norma's family moved to Denver, CO when she was eight years old. Always a good student, she was valedictorian of her 8th grade graduating class. When WWII broke out, Norma's father enlisted in the Navy. He was stationed at Treasure Island and provided medical training for soldiers in preparation for their deployment to the South Pacific. Meanwhile, Norma and her mother returned to Shawnee, joining family and friends for the duration of the war. Norma graduated from Shawnee High School. Friendly and socially engaging, she was football queen her senior year. After high school, Norma attended Oklahoma Baptist University. It was at this time she met and married Ensign Arthur John Handel Jr, who was stationed at the naval base near the college. At the end of the war, the couple moved to Lodi, where Norma worked as a decorator for Newfield and Son's Furniture. In 1967, Norma moved with her two youngest children to Carmel. Norma pursued her passion for decorating for several years until she began her career in real estate at Lois Renk and eventually Carmel Realty. It was in Carmel where she met and married her husband, Herbert G. Meyer, who passed away in 2016. Norma's passion for travel and culture brought her to explore Western and Eastern Europe, Great Britain, Scandinavia, North and South America, Australia, and Asia. Norma's love of the Mexican people and culture inspired her to create a part-time home in Manzanillo for years, where she developed wonderful friendships. Norma enjoyed an active social life, a treasure of lifetime friendships, and membership at The Beach Club and Casa Abrego. Norma and Herb celebrated the wonderful work accomplished by their community philanthropic organizations and were generous patrons of the SPCA, Ventana Wildlife Society, Carmel Sunset Center, Monterey Symphony, and CHOMP, among others. Norma had a passion for cooking and entertaining with great style. She studied cooking in Napa, CA, Tuscany, Italy and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Given her natural talent for creating memorable tablescapes and for entertaining beautifully, Norma's home was always open to friends and family. Norma also enjoyed playing bridge and golf and caring for her amazing garden. She will be remembered for sharing her fragrant ginger lilies in bloom. Norma's family and close friends brought her such joy during her long, productive life. Norma is survived by her children: Pamela Lee Handel Armbuster (Tom) of Fort Wayne, IN, John Handel of Carmel Valley, Stanley Lockwood of Ozone, AR and Lisa Ponzio (Leonard) of Hollister, and her stepchildren: Stephen Meyer (Teri), and Robert Meyer, (Kathleen). She is also survived by loving grandchildren: Rebecca Armbuster Posner (Joe) of Ft. Wayne, IN, Elizabeth Armbuster Matlick (Justin) of Bellevue, WA, Christine Handel (Marc Bordonaro) of Carmel, Melissa Ann Handel Rosenthal (Daniel) of Carmel Valley, Lara Handel Tope (Andrew) of Carmel, Madison Lockwood of Chattanooga, TN, and James Ponzio of Hollister. Norma was also fortunate to have enjoyed tremendously her great-grandchildren: Michael, Abigail, Vivian, Anna Lee, Christopher, Conner, Tristan and Drew. The family wishes to thank those involved in the loving care Norma received: her capable physicians, Drs. Gina Heal, Michael Galloway, Gary Chang and Nancy Rubin, the exceptional nurses of Choice Home Health Care, especially Christina Holt, Teresa Erickson and Melissa Michaels, the healing hands and spirit of Jeffrey Clifton, the generous heart of Flor Huff, and our extended family, Satoe Massey and Maria Lara. Family graveside service was held at San Carlos Cemetery Friday, December 15th. A celebration of Norma's life will be held at Church in the Forest in Pebble Beach; details will be announced after the New Year. Memorials in Norma's name may be made to Carmel Sunset Center or CHOMP.