Obituary of Norma Carstens

Norma M. Carstens died peacefully at her home on August 26, 2011 in Vancouver, WA. She was born Norma Margaret Carter on January 5, 1925 in Boise, ID, the daughter of Howard Phillip Carter and Agnes Gilbert Thompson. Her early years were spent in Boise, where she graduated from Boise High School in 1943 and from the St. Alphonsus Hospital School of Nursing in 1946. While in nursing school, Norma enjoyed singing with the glee club. She later continued her education to become one of Idaho's first Nurse Practitioners, caring for students at Boise State University. In January 1948 Norma married James P. Carstens in Boise, ID. Jim and Norma lived in Boise and Eagle, ID, until Jim's passing in January 2008. Norma then moved to Vancouver, WA in 2008 to be near her son's family. She resided at a beautiful senior living facility in Vancouver, WA, where she made many friends and was able to rediscover her love of singing. Norma also enjoyed visits and regular phone calls from life-long friends, watching her grandchildren grow, and occasionally traveling to Las Vegas and the Oregon coast. She is survived by her son Jay R. Carstens (Jennifer) of Washougal, WA, grandchildren Alexandra and Jaden Carstens of Washougal WA, niece Kathy Johnson (Richard) of Emmett, ID, and two nephews, James Williams (Linda) and Jerry Williams (Anne) of Woodburn, OR. She is also survived by several grandnieces and grandnephews. At Norma's request there will be no services held. Norma's ashes will be laid to rest at the Cloverdale Cemetery in Boise next to her departed husband. Memorial contributions may be made in Norma's name to the Ronald McDonald House in Boise. Norma's family would like to thank the staff at the Quarry Senior Living and Kaiser-Permanente for the wonderful care provided while Norma lived in Washington. Brown's Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Camas has been entrusted with arrangements.