Norma Kathleen Vander May was born in Scotia, Nebraska, on January 19, 1932 to Edward G. and Veronica (Zauha) Walkowiak. She lived in Scotia, Elba and Spalding, Nebraska, while growing up with her three brothers. Norma graduated from Spalding Academy as salutatorian of her class in 1949. She taught in rural schools in Greeley County, NE for five years.


On May 19,1954 she was united in marriage to Francis Vander May at St. Michael's Church in Spalding, NE. Norma and Francis were blessed with eight children. After marriage they settled on their ranch, northeast of Long Valley, SD until he passed away in 2015. She continued to reside at the ranch until May 2024, when she moved into the Kadoka Nursing Home.


Norma was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Norris until it was closed in 2005. She then became a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka. The loves of her life were her family, her Catholic faith and her Polish heritage. Her children loved her fine home cooking, her love of flowers and garden, and the time spent playing cards. Her quick wit and “zingers” always kept her family entertained. Her television was often tuned in to the Family Feud and Molly B's Polka Party.


Norma and Francis enjoyed traveling and journeyed to many European countries, Alaska, Canada, Hawaii, and throughout the continental United States. They were able to make a special trip to Italy with Bishop Dimmerling where they had an audience with Pope John Paul II and in 1999 Norma realized her dream of going to Poland.


Survivors include her children Debra (Rick) Kussman, Mark (Cindy) Vander May, Christine (Rich) Grable, Nancy (Scott) Donnelly, Kevin (Diane) Vander May, Pamela (Will) Dixon, Julie (Dan) Carlbom, and Matthew (Melissa) Vander May; grandchildren, Gabriel Kussman and Heidi Jordan, Dallas and Christopher Kendrick, Bethany, Kanan, Tere, Kenar and Jarrett Vander May, Amy Juso, Ashley Hunter, and Brian Grable, Eric Vander May, Rebecca McCollam and Derek Vander May, Morgan Hoffman, Taylor and Ryan Dixon, Connor, Mackenzie, and Sydney Carlbom, Lindsey, Dylan and Kestin Vander May, step-grandchildren, Clay and Kaye Donnelly; 23 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Marilyn Walkowiak; many nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.


Norma was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years Francis Vander May on November 25, 2015; her parents; three brothers, Edward (Junie), Joseph, and David Walkowiak; and sisters-in-law Barbara and Mary Walkowiak.

A memorial is established to the Kadoka Nursing Home.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Sunday, February 16, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 17, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka with Father Jonathan Dillon as celebrant.

Interment will follow at the Kadoka Cemetery.