March 21, 1924 -
Nov. 17, 2011MISHAWAKA - Loretta Mae Kilbey (Tude) was born March 21, 1924, in Mishawaka, Indiana, to George and Mary Kilbey. Her two younger siblings were twins, George (Bud) and Georgia Jean. While growing up, her family spent much of their free time camping and fishing at Sturgeon Lake, eventually building a cabin there. Loretta graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1943. She married Paul Minter and had a son, Paul. She later married Andy Palatinus and had five sons, Steve, Andrew, Jim, Joe and John. In 1962, she married her true love, Carl "Jock" Norris. They had a son named David. Two of her favorite hobbies were ceramics and gardening. Loretta and Jock also spent countless weekends enjoying antique shows, collecting crackled glass, miniature oil lamps and other treasures. She worked at Nyloncraft for over 25 years where she was a dedicated worker and a friend to many. When a few of her sons moved to California, it became her favorite vacation destination. Her real joy in life was spending time with her seven sons and their families. Her laugh and sense of humor were contagious, and all who had the pleasure to know her will cherish her memory. She is survived by her sister, Georgia Jordan of Elkhart; cousin, Annie Mills of Mishawaka; sons, Paul Riehle (Donna) of Florida, Steve and Andrew Palatinus of Cassopolis, Michigan, Jim (Katie), Joe and John (Lisa) Palatinus and David (Pam) Norris of California. She had eight grandchildren, Angie, Paula, Sara, Nicole, D.J., Kelley, Hannah, Matthew; and seven great-grandchildren. She passed away in Rocklin, California, on November 17, 2011, from complications of Alzheimer's disease. No local services will be held. Published in South Bend Tribune on December 18, 2011