Norma Jean Trojan

Norma Jean Trojan, 80, passed away on November 11, 2021 peacefully in her home. Born on October 3, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois one of two daughters to Joseph and Stephanie (Lizik) Matella. Norma led an active life. When she and Bob got married, she worked at Illinois Bell in Champaign while he attended U of I. Her working earned her a PHT degree…Putting Hubby Through.

They moved to Niles then DesPlaines where she learned how to be a Powder Puff Mechanic on automobiles. She became the family mechanic. Always interested in fixing things around the house stayed with her throughout her life. She knew more about household maintenance than Bob! Plus she managed the household finances and always saved money using all the coupons that came along.

She resumed college life at the University of Rhode Island, after a hiatus of over 20 years, where she graduated with a BS Economics. In subsequent years, she helped to found the Rockford Lady Traders which focused on making money in the stock market. Needless to say she was successful.

She was active in Rock Valley College taking Adult Ed courses and being involved with the Center for Learning in Retirement. She helped teach Computers for Seniors and was Social Committee Chairman. They took seniors on field trips to local places that were a great event for many seniors who hadn’t had those experiences. She was so committed to RVC that she helped co-found a scholarship fund for Advanced Technology and Respiratory Students.

Norma loved to travel. In the US, she planned vacations to the East Coast, West Coast and they enjoyed several vacations in Colorado skiing and Dude Ranching. It was such a great family time that son Steve graduated from University of Colorado, and 2 of his sons still live there. When it became time for international travel, she was open to it all. Living in England for a few years, she became comfortable planning several vacations in Europe. Their favorite country was Italy where they went numerous times. She developed strong friendships with several British families that remains strong even today. Germany Christmas markets, English fox hunts, English Halloween, Italian wine festivals, English and Italian friends were all part of her experiences that would be hard to repeat.

Her greatest vacation location was Marco Island, FL. They have gone there for over 30 years. The family would celebrate graduations, birthdays and introduced all family to this wonderful island, especially in March. She so looked forward to going again.

More recently good times were when they planned for 15 years their Elderberry Festival. They would get all the family, and sometimes guests from outside, to gather in early September to pick elderberries that they would then make into jam and wine. Norma was always overjoyed about Son Jeff driving in from Connecticut with his growing family, and everyone looked forward to this family gathering that included a specially designed t-shirt for each year designed by son Michael.

Gardening was a passion for her too and as the years went along, she was disappointed she couldn’t do as much with her flowers, veggies and walking in their back yard. Did she love birds? You bet! Norma and Bob had a great bird-feeder right outside their kitchen table where she would watch the birds come on a regular mealtime schedule.

Norma’s greatest joy was her family. First her sons. She was a “stay at home Mom” and raised three great guys. She was always there when they came home from school, fixing their bruises, giving advice. Being there to help them in any way. Then came their 5 grandchildren and very recently their 1st great grandson. They were fortunate to spend lot a quality time with all of them through the years. She always was so thoughtful, she remembered birthdays, anniversaries and other events. She was so looking to the April 2022 birth of 1st great granddaughter.

The Cubs will be missing an avid fan! She loved watching all the games and couldn't wait for Spring. She enjoyed several trips to Mesa and Wrigley Field.

Never taking credit for anything she did, she was thankful for the life that she had.

She will be missed by those who loved her most, her husband of 59 years, Bob; their sons Stephen, Michael and Jeffrey (Marianne); grandchildren Erica (Scott) Simon, Michael, Jack, Benjamin, and Johnny; great grandson Blake, great granddaughter on the way, and sister Janice (Ross) Thompson. She is predeceased by her parents.

A visitation will take place on Monday, November 15, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois 61108. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial to follow at Arlington Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rock Valley College Foundation: Norma J. Trojan Scholarship for Respiratory Students. To send online condolences, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com