Norma Jean Kovalenko

Norma Jean Kovalenko, 74, of Elkhart, beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, died on Monday, May 9, 2011. She was born to Kenneth B. and Elsie E. Dinger on August 15, 1936 in New Salem, PA. She married Thomas R. Kovalenko on September 18, 1954.
Surviving are three of their four children, daughter, Nicolette (Matthew) Andert of Elkhart, son, Jeff (Donna) Kovalenko of Middlebury, and daughter, Karen (Clayton) Moudy of Leesburg. Norma is also survived by those whom she considered pure joy, her grandchildren, Joseph (Ashley) Andert, Thomas Andert, Jessica Andert, Nicholas Kovalenko, Julia Kovalenko, Zachary Kovalenko, and Anna Kovalenko. Her brother William (Bettie) Dinger of Elkhart, and sister Nancy (Cal) Males of New Bethlehem, PA. also survive. Preceding her in death were her parents, an infant son, Samuel, and Tom Kovalenko, her beloved husband of fifty-one years.
The essential part of Norma was characterized by her loyalty to those whom she loved. Beauty and humor wove its way in and through her relationships. She had a tremendous sense of style and made any living space a place of beauty and elegance. She had the magic touch in creating bountiful flower gardens to the delight of all who entered their spheres. At the end of her life, she dealt with her illness with humor and grace.
A celebration of her life will be held from 6-8 pm Friday and an hour prior to the service at 11 am Saturday at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home at Cobblestone Crossing, Elkhart. Burial will be on Friday, June 24, 2011 at Mt. Zion Cemetery, New Bethlehem, PA. Visit www.stemmlawsonpeterson to sign an online guestbook.