Norma Elaine Harman

Posted

2019/04/obit-norma-harman-IMG_0041-210x300.jpgNorma Elaine Harman passed into eternal life peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on April 1. She was born to the late Beatrice and Rudolph Hopf in Lynn, Mass., on Oct. 17, 1932. Norma spent the first part of her life in Queens, N.Y., and came to Pagosa Springs, Colo., in 1982 with Fred Harman III.

Norma’s nurturing and love is well-known to a fortunate many. She contributed richly to the Pagosa Springs community with her belated husband, Fred C. Harman III, by establishing the Fred Harman Art Museum, dedicated to preserving the heritage of the American Southwest chiefly through the works of Fred’s father, Fred Harman II. Red Ryder featured prominently in the museum works, and Fred and Norma were often a delightful part of the Fourth of July parade and rodeo here each year.

She loved animals of many sorts. She treasured the deer, turkeys, wild birds — even the occasional bear so long as it did not tear up her feeders — that frequented their home atop Put Hill. Further, the Pagosa Springs Humane Society contributed several treasured pets to her life over the years.

Other great loves were God and her faith, as she took pleasure in being the organist for the Trinity Anglican Church, her cherished friends, children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter.

Norma is survived by five children: Karl (Annette) Sobeck, Eric (Nancy) Sobeck, Thomas Sobeck, Lisa Sobeck Popowich and Jennifer (Steve) Rumore; six grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; one stepson; two step-granddaughters; and three step-great-grandchildren who will miss her each day.

The family is deeply grateful for the prayers, help and assistance that generous-hearted folks have offered. If people wish to honor Norma’s memory, in lieu of flowers, donations can be given in her name to Trinity Anglican Church (please contact Father Marvin Moncrief at 585-4124) or the Pagosa Springs Humane Society (please contact them at 731-4771) and would be gratefully received.