Norma Jean Barden, 87, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 4th, 2023 with her family by her side.

 

She was born January 4th, 1936 in La Porte, Indiana, the daughter of Lester and Ruth Diederich.

 

A lifelong resident of the area, Norma graduated from La Porte High School and was a former member of the First Church of God, La Porte. In 1953, in La Porte, she married Carl Leroy Barden, who preceded her in death in 2015. Norma was an excellent cook and enjoyed sewing and crafting, attending many craft shows. She loved Christmas and Halloween, using her sewing talents to make unique costumes for the whole family. She was a world traveler and spent winters in Arizona with her daughter. "Papa Jean", as she was lovingly known, was a very giving and devoted grandmother, mother and friend.

 

Norma is survived by her son, Ted (Shea) Barden of La Porte; two daughters, Leslie (Michael) Jahns of Petoskey, MI, Kathy (Dennis) Rondau of Bridgman, MI; 2 brothers; 3 sisters; grand children, Amy (Dan) Thornberry, Brandon (Paige) Bernacchi, Justin (Cheryl) Bernacchi, Lindsey (Devin) Low, Preston Jahns, Dylan (Kristen) Barden, Hannah (Ryan) Dooley, Robert Barden; great-grandchildren, Bobby, Lucca, Enza, Geane, Derick, Erika, Piper, Alana, Ryne, and Melody.

 

Along with her husband, she is preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Vicki Young.

 

Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Avenue, La Porte, IN. A private interment will be held at the Pine Lake Cemetery.

 

Memorial contributions may be made in Norma's honor to the Autism Society of Indiana; 10255 Commerce Drive, Suite 164, Carmel, Indiana 46032 or https://www.autismsocietyofindiana.org.