A Graveside Service for 77 year old Norma Kohlscheen Spencer, of Simi Valley, California, will be held Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Graceland Cemetery in Avoca, Iowa. Pauley Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Norma Kohlscheen Spencer, born to Norman and Katherine Wise Kohlscheen in Avoca, Iowa on February 4, 1922. Norma passed away on July, 1, 2021 in Simi Valley, California and leaves behind loving husband Dr. Ray Spencer, sister Janice Allan, nephew Michael Kohlscheen, Aunt Mary and & numerous cousins.
Norma was one of those rare individuals who truly had deep seated compassion for others. She grew up in Long Beach, California and graduated from California State University, Long Beach in 1967 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.
The nursing career spanned nearly fifty years, with most of the time spent as an emergency room nurse in various hospitals in and around the Los Angeles/Hollywood area. Norma retired from St Joseph’s Hospital in Santa Monica in 2018.
There was not a more fitting career for anyone than the one Norma enjoyed for herself. She worked the graveyard shift for most of her career. When asked why, she stated she felt that was where she could make a real difference in her patient’s wellbeing. Providing more one on one care that was not always possible with the busy day shift.
It is said that she not only had compassion for the rich and elite in Hollywood but for those that were down and out. Many nights she would have what she called her regulars (homeless people) come into the emergency room where she would allow them to sleep on a hospital gurney until daylight. A practice not allowed by the higher ups. On several occasions, she would get busy and not clear out the “regulars” before the bosses showed up and she would be called on the carpet.
On September 4, 1987, Norma married her husband, Ray Spencer. They were married for 35 years. They had originally met on Guam where Ray was a military air traffic controller and Norma a nurse in the naval hospital. After coming back to the states, Ray and Norma went separate ways. Thirty years later, Ray reached out to Norma not knowing if she was married or what. As it turned out Norma never married. After a short courtship, Ray and Norma were married. When Ray asked her why she never married one of those rich doctors she replied, “They never made me laugh; you always did.”
When Norma was working at St Joseph’s Hospital, she and Ray lived in an apartment close by. Norma noticed an elderly lady that would walk her dog each evening around the neighborhood. The lady, according to Norma, looked lonely so Norma befriended her. Since Norma had two small dogs, they joined forces and became fast friends.
While on these walks, Norma met a homeless gentleman that was living under the freeway overpass named Bob. Again, Norma took Bob under her wing and provided food, clothing and sometimes a little first aid. Bob had been on the street for 25 years. He had many interesting stories. He and Norma shared many a tall tale about times passed.
Norma is in Heaven now. We all miss her. I am sure that if there are any down and out people, that need a friend, Norma will be the first angel standing in front of God asking to help.
