Norma Irene Sinn
September 6, 1933 – April 26, 2025
Norma Irene Sinn died on April 26, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on September 6, 1933, in Millard (Omaha), Nebraska, Norma was a devoted daughter and wife, loving mother, committed Christian, and steadfast friend.
Norma was born to Irene Julia Gans (Sohl) and Leroy Phillips Gans. They preceded her in death along with her husband, Benjamin Sinn; sister, Ellene Gollehon (and husband, Eugene). With Ben she raised two beloved sons, Jeff & Matt, on Martha Street in Omaha, Nebraska. Her mother and sister lived nearby (all mere blocks from where the family farm had stood). Though Norma’s father died when she was young, she cherished her second “Dad,” Pastor Arthur Pinkall, Irene’s second husband.
Norma attended Omaha Central High School, Omaha University (now UNO), the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, and eventually graduated from the University of Arkansas. She received her degree in architecture and practiced for several years before marriage and children. (A woman architect was rare in those days. Norma was once featured in the local paper, with a story noting how a woman knew exactly how to design a home that other women would like.) Norma and her mother Irene were charter members of St. Matthew Lutheran Church. In later years she was an active member of the Lutheran Church of the Master. Throughout her life, she was a loyal church member and student of the Bible. In later years she enjoyed participating in creative writing groups and doting on her grandchildren – rarely did two weeks pass without a card, clipping, or homemade artwork from Grandma. At 86 she moved to Charlotte to be near Jeff (and the grandchildren). In conversation, however, “here” still meant Omaha, and discussion about Omaha always made her happy. (She was a 4th generation Omahan on both sides of her family).
Norma is survived by her eldest son, Jeffrey Scott Sinn and his son, Tyler (of Charlotte, NC); her second son, Matthew Todd Sinn, his wife, Amy Sinn, and their children, Alexa and Micah (of Raleigh, NC); and nephews: Grant, Steve (Kim), and Michael Gollehon; niece, Laurie Hamzhie (Bijan) (all of Omaha, NE).
Norma’s family and friends give thanks for her long life, one sustained by her faith and filled with cherished connections to family and friends. She was a blessing to all who knew her.
FUNERAL SERVICE to celebrate Norma’s life will be held on May 31, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Lutheran Church of the Master (East Campus), located at 2617 S. 114 St., Omaha, NE 68144. Norma loved flowers, which the family would gladly accept in celebration of her life. Alternatively, donations can be made to the church.
To view live broadcasts of the service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
Norma’s family and friends give thanks for her long life, one sustained by her faith and filled with cherished connections to family and friends. She was a blessing to all who knew her.
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