Obituary of Norma Jean Toliver

Norma Jean Toliver, 97, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on February 24, 2024, in Mesa. Norma was born the youngest of nine children on January 18, 1927, in the Lehi area of Mesa, Arizona, to John Svob and Antonia (Kauzlarich) Svob.

Norma was a very friendly, welcoming, and caring person. She was such a wonderful mother, that other people tended to adopt her as their own. She was the "my other mother" to a lot of people. Norma cherished spending time with her family at home in Mesa, at her weekend home near Roosevelt Lake in Punkin Center, and camping at Hawley Lake in Northern Arizona.

Norma is survived by three of her adult children, Janet Toliver, Steven Toliver, and Elizabeth (Toliver) Rau, as well as 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Charles Toliver, and her son, Charles Jr.

Norma attended Lehi School for primary education and the original Mesa High School ("Old Main") for high school. She worshiped at Queen of Peace Catholic Church.

In addition to tending to her immediate and extended family, Norma enjoyed growing and tending to her roses, bowling in a league, and volunteering as an "Enginette" to aid Mesa Firefighters and their families during emergencies. She loved music and had a very diverse taste, ranging from Merle Haggard's traditional Country Western style to Stevie Ray Vaughan's Texas Blues.

Norma truly enjoyed life. She would light up a room with her wit and self-deprecating style of humor while constantly striving to ensure that everybody felt included and comfortable. No matter where she went across the vast State of Arizona, she would always bump into somebody that she knew.  They were always happy and excited to see her.

Services for Norma will be held at Meldrum Mortuary in Mesa, Arizona on Thursday, March 7th. A Visitation will be held from 4:00-5:00 pm.  A Rosary will be held from 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm. A Visitation will also be held the following day on Friday, March 8 at 9:00am - 10:00 am. The funeral service will be follow at 10:00 am - 11:00 am.  There will be a gravesite ceremony afterwards at the City of Mesa Cemetary at 11:30am (1212 N Center Street).  

For those inclined.... the family would appreciate flowers being sent to Meldrum Mortuary or a donation in Norma's name to the Arizona Heart Foundation (www.azheartfoundation.org)