Neoma Adeline Somerville

MADISON-Neoma Adeline Johnsrud Somerville, age 97, passed away from this Earth on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013. She was born on April 11, 1916, in Montfort, to Nelsena Johnson and Martin A. Johnsrud. Neoma spent her early years in Montfort amidst a wide array of family members, including her sister and brother, Genevieve and Merlin. This provided her with wonderful memories of a happy, fun-filled childhood, which she later shared with family and close friends. The Johnsrud family moved to Madison and Neoma attended and graduated from Madison East High School, where she played the saxophone in the marching band. She took further classes after graduating, but before long met her future husband, Philip Somerville, who was attending UW Madison. They married on May 30, 1936, and spent over 50 years together in the Lake Bluff/ Lake Forest, Ill. area, raising their two children Philip Howard and Susan Anne. During that time, Neoma worked at Marshall Field, Inc. in Lake Forest and Old Orchard. Earlier, Phil and Neoma, started a gift store in Whitewater and later in Fort Atkinson. She had a hardy, fun-loving spirit and was devoted to her family. Neoma was a great cook and homemaker. She loved dogs and enjoyed them throughout her life, along with assorted cats. In retirement, Neoma and Phil traveled to South America, Australia, Africa, Europe, and China. She especially liked visiting Norway, the home of her family origin. After Phil’s death, she remained in Madison and enjoyed the children of Frank Allis Elementary as a classroom volunteer. Neoma was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Madison, a church attended by her parents and other family members in the area. She was a member of Keen Agers. Neoma is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Philip and Mary Jo Somerville; daughter, Susan Poff; grandchildren, Philip, Kristine, Kathy and Jonathan; great-grandchildren, Addison, Anthony, Jaclyn and JeAnna; and two nieces, Sylvia Schultz and Ann Nordness. She was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Philip Somerville; her parents; a brother and a sister. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013, with the Rev. Susan Schneider presiding. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Memorials may be made to Dane County Humane Society. Those in her family wish to thank Neoma for her love and guidance all these years, and her enduring faithful presence in their lives. She will live in our hearts forever. God Bless Neoma Somerville. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.