MCHENRY — Norma Jean Rand, age 85, passed away Sunday, April 14, 2024, at Northwestern Hospital, McHenry, Ill., surrounded by family.

Born October 5, 1938, to Emmet and Mary (Riemsnider) Rand in DeKalb, the eighth of 10 children. Norma grew up on the family farm in Esmond, and attended Rochelle High School, graduating in 1956.

Norma proudly spent her career at Warner-Lambert in Rockford, working in “man’s job” as their first woman machinist. She will be remembered fondly by her family as the “gum lady” as she always handed out weeks’ worth of gum to everyone who attended the Annual Rand Family Reunion!

Norma was very athletic playing softball, golf, bowling and line dancing. She enjoyed playing on many of the men’s teams from work.

Norma retired in 1997 and moved to Winter Haven, Florida, living there for 24 years. She loved cruises, cards, bingo, dominoes and many activities at her clubhouse. She loved visits from friends and family, and treated them to adventures when visiting Florida.

In 2021, Norma moved back to Illinois, living at The Fountains in Crystal Lake for the past three years. No matter where she lived, she always made everyone feel special. Norma was a special person, bringing joy, laughter, and cheerfulness to every situation. Her unique sense of humor will always be remembered.

Norma is survived by two brothers, Gerald (Marge) Rand and Charles (Phyllis) Rand; a sister-in-law, Gloria Rand; and a cousin, Audrey Stocking; 20 nieces and nephews; and many great- and great-great-nieces and -nephews. She was preceded in death by her siblings and spouses: Wilbur (Marye) Rand, Lowell (Donna) Rand, Phyllis (William) Charlesworth, Howard Rand, Marilyn (Ray) Eychaner, Ronald (Carol) Rand and Carol Rand; nieces, Cheryl Albrecht and Nancy Whaley; nephews, Jamie Rand and David Rand.

Thank you to her friends and staff at The Fountains for the care and love she received while living there. Also, thank you to the medical staff at Northwestern Hospital for their care and compassion.

Services will be held at the United Methodist Church in Esmond, Illinois on Saturday, April 27: visitation from 10 am to 11 am, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am. Interment will be at the Esmond Cemetery. Luncheon will be served afterwards at the church. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Esmond Methodist Church, the American Cancer Society, or the American Heart Association.

Arrangements by Olson’s Quiram Sycamore Chapel, 1245 Somonauk St., Sycamore, IL 60178; 815-895-6589. Visit www.olsonfh.com to share a memory or leave a condolence.