Annette Sonja Norsman, Ph.D.

“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls..” -Joseph Campbell

VERONA - Annette Sonja Norsman, age 83, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at her home in Verona with family by her side. She was born on May 5, 1941, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, daughter of George and Martha (Olson) Wahlin.

Annette graduated from Riverside Polytechnic High School in Riverside, California. Following in the pride of her Swedish roots, she attended Augustana College, where she graduated and met the father of her three children, the late Jerry L. Norsman.

With a passion for always making a difference, her professional career led her to many highly respected positions in leadership and development in the non-profit sector. Early in her career, she harnessed her creativity as an art teacher transitioning into mission-driven work, becoming Executive Director at ARC and the Wisconsin Retired Teachers Association. She culminated her career by courageously leading all 50 state associations as Executive Director at the National Retired Teachers Association (a division of AARP) in Washington, D.C. for 17 years.

She successfully balanced a demanding full-time career with determination and humility while earning her Master’s and Ph.D. in Adult Education at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. This accomplishment reflected her ongoing pursuit of excellence, brilliance, and commitment to personal growth.

Annette modeled the importance of giving back by advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities while also serving in numerous volunteer roles around the community: The Madison Art League, Junior League of Madison, lobbying for supportive IDD policy, committees at Midvale Community Lutheran Church, and Chapter BL in PEO.

The love for her family was unwavering. She gave endlessly, loved fiercely, and cared unconditionally. Annette’s warmth, love, and kindness touched so many lives. She always had an elegance when she walked into a room, unapologetically smiling. It brought a tenderness to all those who graced her presence. Her version of ‘casual’ meant always looking polished - impeccably dressed, hair done to perfection, and lipstick on point.

Her children, Brian (Sena) Norsman, Brent Norsman, and Caroline (Scott) Anderson hearts are heavy as they remember and honor their beloved mother. This love for Annette is shared by her brothers, Bruce Wahlin and John (Connie) Wahlin and many nieces and nephews.

Annette’s love of family was the heart of everything she did, especially with her grandchildren, Nelson, Sophie, and Erik Vick, George Norsman, Calla and Stellan Norsman, Katrina, Haakon, and Sissel Anderson. Endearingly known as “Grammie,” she was more than a grandma, she was the essence of walking through life with grace, humility and dignity.

Annette has been reunited with those she loved so dearly, including her parents, George and Martha Wahlin, as well as her very special in-laws, Lynn and Virginia Norsman.

A celebration of Annette’s beautiful life will be held at MIDVALE COMMUNITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4329 Tokay Boulevard, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 17, 2025, with Rev. Ken Smith presiding. A visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to: The ARC of Wisconsin arcwi.org/donate or Midvale Community Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002