Norma Mae Field Funkhouser

Norma Mae Field Funkhouser, age 77, passed away on August 21, 2022, at home in Georgetown, Texas, with husband, Edward, and daughters Jennifer and Emily by her side.

Norma was born in Trenton, New Jersey, to Helen Powers Field and Norman Hart Field and grew up in Ewing, New Jersey. Norma and Ed where classmates in junior and senior high schools. After a hiatus during college years, Norma responded to a Christmas card from Ed. On Valentine’s Day they were officially engaged and subsequently married on August 10, 1968. They enjoyed 54 years together, raising a family and exploring the world.

Norma received a BA degree in biology from the University of Delaware and later an MLIS degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Texas. Early on she was a research assistant in the Department of Biology at Princeton University and in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at Wallace Laboratories during which time she earned a PHT (Pushing Hubby Through) as Ed earned his PhD. That was followed by time in Buffalo NY as a research assistant in the Allergy Research Laboratory at Buffalo General Hospital and in West Berlin, Germany as Haus Frau (housewife).

Back in the U.S.A. living in Bryan/College Station, she was the science teacher for St. Michael’s Academy. After receiving her MLIS degree, she became a Veterinary/ Medical Reference Librarian at Texas A&M and taught first-year students in the Biomedical Sciences Program, retiring in 2012 as Associate Professor Emerita. She enjoyed working with students, many of whom she continued to keep tabs on via Facebook. She was extremely proud of being a Texas A&M Fish Camp Namesake.

Norma was active both professionally and personally. She received the Distinguished Librarian Award from the TAMU Association of Former Students, Distinguished Member of the Academy of Health Information Professionals, and a member of Beta Phi Mu Library Science Honor Society. She was elected to multiple positions in the Medical Library Association. She also served as deacon at First Presbyterian Church Bryan. One of her greatest joys was keeping up with her grandkids and their multiple academic and athletic activities.

Norma was preceded in death by her mother Helen Elizabeth Powers Field and her father Norman Hart Field. She is survived by husband Edward A. Funkhouser (Georgetown), daughters Jennifer and husband Larry Baker, III (Portland Texas), Emily and husband Stephen Wright (Denton, Texas), and sister Patricia Field Alfano and husband Bill Alfano Jr. (West Chester, Pennsylvania), and granddaughters Taylor, Kaylin, Jordyn Baker and Brooklyn Wright and grandson Garrett Wright.

It was Norma’s wish that there be no formal memorial services. Instead she wanted her family to gather at MoRanch when her ashes are interred.

The family appreciates the care and nurturing provided in Norma’s final days by Suncrest Hospice and Blue Water Home Care. Final arrangements were provided by Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Mo-Ranch (Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly, 2229 FM 1340, Hunt, Texas 78024) or to charity of choice.

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