Norma J. Hetrick - Obituary

orma Jean Hetrick (nee Holtzapple), 89, a 15-year resident of Heritage Harbor and previously of New Carrollton and Glenn Dale, passed away peacefully at her home on June 6, 2023, after a courageous battle with a year-long illness. She was born in York, PA, on March 9, 1934, to the late James and Luella Holtzapple. Norma earned her Master's Degree in Education and dedicated many years as an award-winning teacher of Family & Consumer Sciences in Prince George's County. She was a beloved member of St. Martin's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Annapolis. Norma had a passion for flowers, traveling, crafts, and cooking, which brought joy to her life and those around her. She possessed an adventurous spirit and a deep appreciation for different cultures. She had a profound love for travel, which led her to visit numerous countries across all seven continents. Norma particularly cherished her love for family and was known for her warm and nurturing presence. In addition to her many accomplishments, Norma actively engaged in community service, demonstrating her dedication to helping others. She volunteered her time with organizations such as the Lutheran Mission of Annapolis and the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, where she touched the lives of those in need through acts of compassion and kindness. Norma was an active member of the New Carrollton Garden Club for over thirty years, where she shared her love for gardening and contributed to the beautification of her community as President of the organization. She also found great enjoyment in playing games like bridge, mahjong, and pinochle, often gathering with friends and family for lively and memorable game nights. Norma was preceded in death by her loving husband of 57 years, Frank Marvin Hetrick. She is survived by her children: Jo Ellen Hetrick Nash of Naples, FL; Frank Michael Hetrick and wife Marti, of Edgewater, MD; James Jeffrey Hetrick and wife Rose, of Moose Pass, AK; Cheryl Hetrick Gormus and husband Craig, of Hanover, MD; and Kathryn Eberwein of The Woodlands, TX. She is also survived by her sister, Lurraine Gettier of York, PA. Norma will be dearly missed by her grandchildren: Matthew, Kristin, Willow, Michael, Lindsey, Teal, Julie, Corey, Chelsey, Jamie, Brett, Tori, Tyler, Sean, Faith, and Shey, as well as her 23 great-grandchildren. A memorial gathering for family and friends to celebrate Norma's life will be held on Friday, June 16, from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, located at 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, June 17, at 11:00 AM at St. Martin's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1120 Spa Road, Annapolis. There will be a reception following the service at the Severn Inn. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Doyenne Initiative to support the establishment of the Frank & Norma Hetrick Virology Scholarship Program. Please leave a condolence for the family by signing the guestbook at the Memories tab located on the left side of this page.