Norma Lorraine Rosa Karales

Norma Lorraine Rosa Karales, 87, died peacefully from esophageal cancer, surrounded by family, on 12/12/12, at her Summit Point Independent/Assisted Living residence in Macedonia, OH. She was born in Joliet, IL, February 27, 1925, and lived in Joliet and New Lenox, IL, 85 years. Norma is preceded in death by her mother, Lillian Stoneberg Rosa; her father, William C. Rosa; her brother, Earl W. Rosa, and her husband, Virgil James Karales.
After graduating from Joliet Township High School (Central) in 1943 with a desire to help others, she entered Silver Cross Hospital's School of Nursing, from which she graduated in 1946. She served as a private duty nurse for over 50 years, at both Silver Cross and St. Joseph's Hospitals in Joliet, as well as in private homes. Norma and Virgil were married on October 12, 1946, and they always enjoyed their annual trips to Florida. In 2010, Norma moved to Ohio to be closer to her family. She had numerous adventures with them and also enjoyed helping on her "kids'" alpaca farm. She loved to feed and talk to the alpacas, especially one named Virgil. Norma would go along to alpaca shows and festivals where she would help sell the alpaca/fiber products, or just enjoy visiting with all of the alpacas. She was very active in the United Methodist Church of New Lenox, IL, and was especially active in the Martha's Circle women's group. Norma had also been a member of Eastern Star. She made friends very easily and will be missed by many, including those at her assisted living facility.
Norma is survived by her daughter Jo Anne (Jody) and son-in-law, Terry Leonard; grandsons David (Mary Paulett) Leonard and Kevin Leonard (Emilee Calhoun) of Ohio, and her cousin John (Helen) Shiffer and son Ryan of Indianapolis, IN. Norma also leaves behind her sister-in-laws Helen (Karales) Catsimpiris, Doris Karales, and many nieces, nephews, and other dear relatives from the Karales side, and the Stoneberg side of the family.
Visitation was held first at Blessings Funeral Home, in Twinsburg, Macedonia, on 12/14/12. There will be a visitation at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 102 E Francis Rd, New Lenox, IL. On Saturday, December 22, 2012 from 9 until time of funeral service at 1:00pm in the funeral home chapel. Norma will be laid to rest alongside her loving husband, Virgil, at Maplewood Cemetery, New Lenox. Donations to any Hospice facility, or the Esophageal Cancer Research, in lieu of flowers, will be greatly appreciated. For information 815-485-3200 or www.kurtzmemorialchapel.com