Norene Lee Gilbert

Service Information

We will honor Noreen on Sunday Oct 1, 2017 with graveside services at Haynie Cemetary in Custer at  1:30 pm, followed by Services and a Celebration Of Life beginning at 3 pm at the Sunrise Baptist Church in Custer.

It is with great sadness that the family of Norene Gilbert announces her passing after a hard-fought battle with cancer, on Thursday Sept. 21, 2017, at home surrounded by her loved ones.

Norene was the eldest daughter of Curtis and Renee Gilbert of Custer.

She graduated from Ferndale High School in 1969, then moved to Seattle where she attended Peterson Business College. She became a LoLa Hallowell Model and earned many titles during her modeling and pageant career. She moved to Arlington Texas, then to Los Angeles California while working for American Airlines for the rest of her adult life. She traveled the world, but stayed the "small town girl" in her heart and head. Norene loved her family and friends with a passion. She was a loving and kind person that put others before herself and was always there to offer help when needed.

Norene is preceded in death by her father Curtis, nephew James Brown, brother-in law Paul Hettervig and her grandparents. She will be lovingly remembered by her mother Renee Gilbert of Custer, sisters Cheryl (Rick) Moore, Nancy (Chris) Secrist, Janice Hettervig, Valerie (Marc) Hendrickson and Diana (Kevin) Brown, her brother Curtis (Jeri) Gilbert, 12 nieces & nephews, 10 great-nieces and nephews, her two god-sons and the many, many "adopted" loved ones.

We will honor her on Sunday Oct 1, 2017 with graveside services at Haynie Cemetary in Custer at 1:30 pm, followed by Services and a Celebration Of Life beginning at 3 pm at the Sunrise Baptist Church in Custer.

Memories

From Cyndi VanderYacht

Thinking of all of you....

Sep 28, 2017

From Joanne Peterson

I'm so very sad.. My heart goes out to everyone in her family. She was a good friend many years ago, and I know she was a very kind sweet person. She will be missed in this world.

Sep 28, 2017

From Mike unick

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Norene was such a sweetheart. Her and Joshua are together again.

Sep 28, 2017

From Russ & Kelly Gollen

Norene will be remembered as a beautiful person. Our love and prayers are with all of you at this sad time.
I just saw Nancy, Janice and Valerie at another memorial and wasn't aware that Norene was battling her illness.
It is so sad to lose another beautiful person.

Sep 28, 2017

From Anonymous

A very amazing woman. I love u Norene

Sep 28, 2017

From Geri Gilbert

Sorry to hear of Noreen's passing. My thoughts are with you all. Take care.
Geri

Sep 28, 2017

From Cheryl Hettervig

I know what a close family you are and how hard this is for you all

 

Sep 28, 2017

From Leah Boerner

My heart goes out to all of you through this sad time. Noreen was such a very special person. I enjoyed so much the time I was able to spend with her. She was encouraging and full of love. She will be missed by any one who ever came in contact with Norene. Love and hugs to all of you.

Sep 28, 2017

From Mary Garrett

Prayers for all of you during this difficult time. Take solace in the fact that Noreen is with our Lord and has most definitely earned her wings.

Sep 29, 2017

From Michael Glidewell

In loving memory of a wonderful person.  I will love you and miss you always. Norene was a big part of my life and inspired me to reach for the stars.  I will never forget her and the amazing years we shared together in Seattle.  God bless you.

Sep 29, 2017

From Hadas Hope Hartzvi

Norene, to know you is to love you. I never met someone with your ability of penatrating through all the bull.. strait into ones' heart. I will always keep you on my mind. Love you⚘

Sep 30, 2017

From Barbara Gilbert

She was a wonderful women and she will be missed.

 

Sep 30, 2017

From Wayne Andriuzzo

I worked with Norene for many years at LAX . One of the nicest people I had the pleasure of knowing. My deepest sympathy goes out you.

Sep 30, 2017

From Ronni Pottle Olsen

Val, so very sorry for you and your family's loss.

Oct 04, 2017

From Cheri LaFaver

Renee, I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you in the days and weeks ahead as you navigate life without your beloved daughter.

Oct 05, 2017

From Larry McClellan

The world has lost the most beautiful soul I have ever known.

Oct 28, 2017

From Pauline Kiernan

So many great memories with you, Norene . You were such a bright light for anyone who crossed your path. I loved you dearly and am saddened by your passing. I know your Spirit lives on ( probably still helping people:)) Love U forever, Pauli

Apr 26, 2018

From Chuck Bond

Knew Noreen in 1970s. Beautiful lady. Please Lord take care of her.

Jul 19, 2018

From cheryl arnold

I am shocked and so sad--I was just going to look Norene up and tell her I wear the beaded tops she made for me all the time at our concerts still~`I adored Norene --she was so beautiful inside and out--------and worked so hard on the outfits for me----I just can hardly belive this~`~`I love you Norene forever and ever~``~      <3

 

Aug 12, 2018

From Audra (Pangbur…

Renee and family,

You have my heartfelt  condolences in the loss of Norene. I remember the days that she would come to town for her visits. The neices and nephews hung around her all the time. She would patiently wait for them to pick out some candy to buy at the store while she talked with me about what had been happening in her world. She was always so happy to be home in Custer spending time with her family. It was popcorn and video's time! She was such a lovely lady and her kindness showed for everyone to see.. I'm so sorry that your family is sufferring her loss. Even Norene wuld say: 'Life isn't always fair, but it's still a wonderful world' She loved life, her family and friends. I'm glad I got to know her over the years. GOD BLESS Norene. 

Dec 02, 2018

From Cheryl (Young)…

I just looked up Noreen to see her Miss Washington picture. I grew up knowing her through mutual people. I wanted to be like her, look like her and have her personality. She was inspiring and electric. I wished I reached out to her. we moved around so much. I never knew she struggled with cancer. She will always be a blessing, in memory to all that was around. I thought about her often. what a heavy sadness that this earth won't have her around. I love you Noreen. 

Mar 17, 2019

From James

The kind of remarkable beauty that she had inward & outward needed to stay in this world a lot longer.
She had the ability to effect a person for life in a positive way. Always encouraging, interesting and sizzling red hot gorgeous. Her presence remains where there is beauty.

Mar 17, 2019

From Lance Lambert

I recently learned of Norene's passing. Over forty years ago I had the pleasure of working with her when she hired me to photograph her for a modeling portfolio. She returned regularly to the studio for the next six months and in that time I like to think that we became friends. There were many late night shooting sessions that always included lots of laughter. She was humble, open and created smiles that still linger. She continues to live in many hearts.

Dec 31, 2019

From Mel Ashford

I was looking through some old photographs yesterday of when I lived for a short time in Ferndale in the mid 70's, and came across one of Noreen and her roommate sitting on my car. I decided to look her up to see how she was doing and found this notice. It is totally devastating, Noreen was one of the brightest lights I have ever known. So sweet and so genuine and so open, once you met her you never forgot her. Please Rest In Peace Noreen, you are still a phenomenal woman. 

Mar 23, 2021

From Maureen

I miss you every day.

Sep 15, 2021

From Charles B

Just learned of Norene’s passing. I have many great memories of the time we spent. What a great woman! May you rest in be peace! God Bless!🙏

Apr 20, 2024

Add new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.

Plain text

  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.