It is with deep sadness that our family announces the passing of our beloved Deanna "Grandma" Norris.

Deanna, of Northville, peacefully passed into eternal life on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at Ascension Providence Hospital, Novi.  She was 84 years old.

Deanna was born October 9, 1938, in Detroit, to the late Rex and Margaret Robinson.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 33 years, Walt, 20 years ago to the day, on August 24, 2003.

Surviving are two devoted daughters, Sherri Vandenberg and Colleen (David) McDonald; dearly loved granddaughters, Natalie (Jonathon) Vander Laan and Whitney (Sean) O'Malley; cherished great-granddaughter, Heidi Vander Laan; her dear sister, Jessie Stromback; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.  In addition to her husband, Deanna was also preceded in death by eight siblings, Margaret "Betty" Spaller, Wilson "Bill" Robinson, Jean Smith, David Robinson, Barbara Harris, Joyce Spicer, Rex "Tommy" Robinson, and Frank Robinson.

In Deanna's 84 years she held many titles that meant the world to her: mother, wife, grandma, great grandma, sister, daughter, aunt and friend being among them. She was born during the great depression and would tell the tales of growing up with nine siblings and "little to nothing." You might even be familiar with her slogan "FHB" or family hold back, when her family would eat less than guests to make sure there was enough food on the table. She cruised through school with countless friends and much popularity, as she would say. She served as vice president of her class, head of service squad and even the class judge - yes, she wrote the tickets and appealed them in school court.

Following high school, she focused on work and family, she told many stories of her days at the credit union and accounting firm. Between working she would spend time with her many nieces and nephews and ultimately started her own family.

Daughters Sherri and Colleen were born and even amid raising her two little girls, her home was always open to anyone in need. Helping others quietly was a trait she carried with her throughout her whole life.

Flash forward to 1968, Deanna met Walt and the two started a life together with Colleen and Sherri. Deanna supported Walt during his journey of entering the car business and the pair raised Colleen and Sherri and stood by them through all of life's milestones.

It wasn't until 1994 that she was promoted to Grandma, a name that she would not only cherish but embody. Natalie was born in May 1994 and that's when grandma's duties began. In April 1997, Whitney was born, and her heart doubled. For 27 years Grandma Norris' life revolved around Natalie and Whitney, from zoo days, to volunteering at school and never missing a cheer competition, she was committed to her girls.

What a blessing to have her stand by our side at every first day of school, high school graduation, college graduation and watching both Natalie and Whitney complete graduate school. In more recent years, she stood right by our side on our wedding days and opened her heart to love our husbands, almost as much as she loved us.

Little did we know that as much as she loved us, we would happily take a back seat as soon as her first great granddaughter Heidi was born, and grandma received her best title yet, GiGi. GiGi and Heidi were the best of friends, snuggling, laughing and playing together. GiGi lived for her Heidi and what a blessing she is to our family. What a gift that GiGi and Heidi had the time together that they did. We are forever grateful.

Grandma walked through life loving her family and making friends everywhere she went. She even had friends at the local Kroger. "That is the nicest person," she'd always say, and she meant it. Even in her final days in the hospital, the nurses and doctors at Ascension Providence grew to love her, shedding tears for her, holding her hand, and calling her grandma. Just as she would have wanted.

Grandma's faith shone through her as she always rooted for the underdog and always had room in her heart to pray for anyone in need. She was a member at Grace Lutheran Church for her entire life, and rarely missed a Sunday.

We love her, we will miss her, and we will never forget her. We are praising God for the time we had with her, and we are thankful she is home in Heaven and whole again.

The Norris family will receive guests at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home, downtown Farmington, on Monday, August 28, from 2-9 pm.

Deanna's funeral ceremony is planned for Tuesday morning, August 29, at 11:00 am (in state 10:00 am) at Grace Lutheran Church, 25630 Grand River Avenue (at Beech Daly), Redford.  The Reverend Timothy Halboth will preside.

Interment will follow at Glen Eden Memorial Park, Livonia.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the charity of one's choice.

Kindly keep Deanna and her family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.