Norma Martha Linden Forthofer, Owned Avon Gun and Tack Shop: Obituary

Norma Martha Linden Forthofer, born Feb. 22, 1925, passed away on April 1, 2013.

She lived fully and passionately, perpetually radiating love, vitality, commitment and compassion to all she met, to all who were blessed to know her.

Born to Delphine and William Linden, shw was lovingly raised in meager depression years with six sisters and two brothers and learned the richness and importance of family, religion and kind-heartedness.

Norma was courted by a farm boy from the other side of town who rode his bike to East Avon to visit the most beautiful girl in town. As the story goes, the annoyed east side boys would regularly let the air out of his bike tires.

She married Julian "Foot" Forthofer on May 3, 1945 and together they raised six children.

"Foot" and Norma worked the family farm delivering and selling produce to the West Side Market, and owned and operated Avon Gun and Tack Shop, formerly Avon Hardware from 1948 - 1990.

Norma’s love and commitment to her children was unrivaled. She never missed a track meet, football, baseball, basketball game, tennis match or horse show and was thought by her children to be the world’s best pie baker.

Norma expressed in her actions and devotion how  much she so loved her Catholic religion and being a member of the St. Julie Billart Parish "family."

An active sports woman she enjoyed archery, trapshooting, golf, tennis, downhill and cross country skiing, swimming, camping, traveling and bicycling and was a nationally ranked trapshooting champion. Her accomplishments included Ohio State Lady Champion three consecutive years,  1968-1970.

In later years she and "Foot" traveled extensively throughout the world and her personal  highlight was visiting Vatican City and seeing Pope John Paul, II.
Norma thoroughly enjoyed her water aerobics class and biking around the  neighborhood.

Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were and continue to be her love. They have many endearing stories about grandma "Mimi" Forthofer that always bring a smile and a laugh to their faces.

Norma is survived by her six children, Linda (Michael Uzelac) Forthofer, Dr. Lawrence (Dr. Marsha Heinke) Forthofer,  Daniel (Ann) Forthofer, Joseph "Pete" (Deborah) Forthofer, of Whitefish, Montana, Charles (Preston Phillips) Forthofer of Bridgehampton, N.Y. and Lisa (Kenneth) Matuszak. She was the grandmother of Brian, Jason, Joseph, Justin, Kelsey and Tyler and great-grandmother of Helena, Jake, Cody and Brody.

Sister to Delores Klesta, Alice Riegelsberger and Maryann Hejnal.
Sister in-law to Martha Linden and Barb Linden.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years Julian "Foot" Forthofer, brothers Clete and William, sisters Dorothy Schneider, Clare Woods and Eileen Vasu.

In lieu of flowers,  please make a donation in Norma 's name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Monastery of the Poor Clare's in Cleveland or Crossroads Hospice of Cleveland.

Information courtesy Misencik Funeral Home.