Norma (Thurston) Rapp

May 1, 1936 – April 1, 2023

Norma (Thurston) Rapp, "Mrs. T" passed away peacefully on April 1, 2023 in San Juan Capistrano, California.

Norma was born on May, 1936 in Ukiah, California to COL Clark and Elsie Avery. She spent her younger years on the family ranch in Sonoma County along side her older sister Helen. When Norma was 8, the family moved to Santa Rosa, CA. She graduated from Santa Rosa High School and attended Greenbrier College in Lewisburg, West Virginia. In 1955, she married Robert W. Thurston whom she met while attending summer session at University of California Berkeley. Norma moved to Indianapolis, Indiana for two years before returning to California where she worked for Trust Deed & Mortgage Exchange from 1957 - 1960.

Norma moved to Bakersfield in 1960. Her greatest joy in life was being a mother. She took pride in her home and supported her children in their many endeavors.

After her children were grown, Norma went back to college and obtained a certificate in bookkeeping and business organization. She worked for Kirschenman Enterprises for over 30 years. Norma loved her job and experienced the company's growth from a potato farm in the early days to a multi-dimensional agriculture business as a grower, packer and shipper with farms and partnerships throughout California.

Norma was a volunteer with the Guild House, Assistance League and CALM Zoo. She married Eddie Rapp in 1989 and was married until Eddie's passing in 2007. Eddie and Norma built wonderful memories traveling the country in their RV. Norma was also known for her annual Grand Easter Picnic and Egg Hunt. In 2019, Norma moved to Southern California to spend more time with her grandkids.

Norma was known for her sense of humor, outgoing personality, generous spirit and never ending willingness to help a friend.

Norma was preceded in death by her daughter Pam, son Eric, husband Eddie, her parents COL Clark and Elsie Avery, her sister Helen Sanders and her lifelong friend Virginia Kirschenman. She is survived by her daughter Lisa (Mark) Andrew, son Mark Thurston; her grandchildren Steven, Jeni, Roger, Reid, Ryan, Conner and Reagyn; her niece Stephanie (Grant) Stewart, Greg Feltz, Matthew (Cathy) Feltz and Drew (Livian) Feltz.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 12:00 noon at the home of Lisa and Mark Andrew at 33821 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675.

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