Norma F. Zettler

Norma Jean Fehse Zettler (1925-2014) of Atlanta, Georgia, died in her sleep on October 31. Norma was married to John W. Zettler for 63 years until his death in September 2012. She is survived by her daughters Jean Zettler of Leland, NC and Ellen (Dan) Hillegass of Dunwoody, GA and her son, John F (Marcy) of Vienna, VA, along with six grandchildren: Patrick, Jamie and Christi Hillegass of Atlanta, GA, John and Katie Zettler of New York City, and Carrie Zettler of Vienna, VA.

Norma was the youngest of three girls (Marjorie Porto and Marion Taylor, both deceased) born to Rudolf and Christine Fehse of Long Island, NY. She entered the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA in 1943 where she joined the Delta Delta Delta (Tri-Delt) sorority and rose to the office of President her Senior Year. Her dedication to the College was demonstrated with her election to the Mortar Board Society, the premier national honor society. She also participated in swimming and basketball.

Norma met her future husband, John Zettler, while working at B.F. Altmans’ in New York during college break prior to John enlisting in the Navy/Seabees in 1943. They married in 1949 in New York and lived on Long Island until moving to Yardley, PA in 1969. Norma and John moved to Simpsonville, SC in 1976 and to Duluth, GA in 2005. A homemaker, Norma was very active in school PTAs in Northport, NY and Yardley, PA and regularly taught Sunday School in NY. Her daughters remember with glee each year that she served as “cookie chair” for their Girl Scout troops. Neighborhood children remember her as “one of the nicest Moms on Acre View Drive” (Northport, NY).

Norma took great pleasure in spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was a devoted mother and wife, a loving and patient daughter to her aging parents and parents-in-law, a regular supporter of her beloved College, and a caring and fun Aunt to her nieces and nephews (Nancy Taylor Lynn, Sally and Judy Taylor, Mimi Taylor Giesen, Susan Porto Weckbaugh, Janis and Mark Porto, and John G and Andrew Zettler)

The family wishes to thank all the caregivers who helped her including all the Sunrise at Buckhead staff and most especially to Oriel Selver who gave the greatest of care for 2 ½ years.

Memorial arrangements are pending. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The College of William and Mary, or The Wounded Warrior Project