MADISON-Norma J. “Dot” Szabo, age 80, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, March 17, 2012, at Oak Park Place with her family by her side. She was born on Nov. 22, 1931, in Ord, Neb., the daughter of William R. and Ann E. (LeMaster) Cowan. Norma graduated from Madison East High School, and worked for the State of Wisconsin for 39 years before retiring in 1992 at the Department of Corrections.
Norma, or Dot, as she was known, enjoyed music, cake decorating, doing crafts, woodworking, and working on her house and in her yard. She loved windmills and her many dogs. In her early years, she roller-skated under the Big Top with the Circus, loved playing the Accordion, and was one of the first members of the Fitchburg EMS. Her greatest joy though was spending time with friends and family.
She is survived by her children, Bob (Jane) Ross of Columbus, Carlene (Brian) Kowing of Brooklyn, and Rick (Jodi) Ross of Oregon; four grandchildren, Jamie Kowing, Kristin (Todd) Messling, Becky Zurbuchen and Stephanie Theisen; seven great-grandchildren, Sam, Breanna, Chase, Sierra, Jackson, Hudson and Kendra; a long time family friend, Lillian; along with other relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at OAK PARK NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER, 718 Jupiter Drive, Madison, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, March 26, 2012. Burial will be at Arena Cemetery at a later date. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy in Norma’s name are encouraged to do so to Agrace HospiceCare or Olbrich Gardens.
Her family would like to say a special thank you to Sharon and Kay along with her family at Oak Park and the Agrace HospiceCare team for the loving care they showed Norma.