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Norma A. Raffaelli (Conklin)

Born: 12/9/1939
Died: 7/3/2025
Age: 85
Community: Colorado Springs CO, formerly of Owosso, MI

Norma A. Raffaelli (Conklin), age 85, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2025, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Born on December 8, 1939, in Wayne County Hospital Michigan, she lived a life marked by devotion to family, a love of animals, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of home and community.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John “Jack” Raffaelli; grandsons Andrew Koziuk and Kyler Raffaelli; and brothers Tom Conklin and LeRoy Conklin. She was the cherished daughter of Norman and Ella Conklin and Bernie and Nona Conklin.

Norma is lovingly remembered by her children: Jodi (Glen) Koziuk, Jill Anton, and Michael (Dede) Raffaelli. She was a proud grandmother to Erik and Elizabeth Anton, Nick (Paige) Anton, Kristin (Michael) Laing, Alicia Griffen, and Anna (McGwire) Bigelow. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Hunter Griffen and Elijah Scritchfield. Norma is also remembered by her siblings Jerry Conklin, Stanley Conklin, Richard Conklin, and Patricia Conklin.

Norma graduated from Owosso High School in 1958 and went on to work as a secretary at Emerson Elementary in Owosso. Her dedication to her work and her warm presence left a lasting impression on colleagues and students alike. In July of 1960, she married her high school sweetheart, Jack, who also worked in administration at Owosso public schools. They raised three children in the community and lived in Owosso until retirement. Jack and Norma moved up North to Traverse City to enjoy time near their cabin and spend the summertime visiting with their family.

Norma’s passions were many. She was a gifted gardener whose flower beds brought beauty to every season. A fantastic baker known especially for her pies and Chex mix, she found joy in sharing treats with loved ones. She delighted in shopping for antiques—treasures she used to decorate her home with charm—and enjoyed going to the movies whenever she could. An avid reader and supporter of libraries, Norma believed deeply in the power of books to enrich lives. Her love for animals was evident throughout her life; she especially adored her cats and supported numerous pet agencies and volunteered at the Humane Society. Norma was also fluent in American Sign Language and used these skills to make connections and help the deaf community. But above all else, Norma treasured time spent with family—especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren—whose laughter filled her heart with joy. May Norma’s memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.

Memorial Contributions are suggested to her grandsons' scholarships: Kyler Raffaelli Memorial Scholarship through the Shiawassee Community Foundation, Andrew Koziuk Memorial AVP Scholarship Fund through givebutter.com/koziuk and the Shiawassee Humane Society.

A Visitation will be held on July 22, 2025, at First Church of Christ 585 E. North St. from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. A Celebration of Life service will begin at 11am with a luncheon to follow.
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  Nelson-House Funeral Home
120 E. Mason Street
Owosso, MI 48867

Phone: (989) 723-5234

Web Site: http://nelson-house.com

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Visitation
Date:   7/22/2025
Time:   9:30 AM
A Visitation will be held on July 22, 2025, at First Church of Christ 585 E. North St. from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. A Celebration of Life service will begin at 11am with a luncheon to follow.
 
Funeral Service
Date:   7/22/2025
Time:   11:00 AM
 
Location:   First Church of Christ
585 North St
Owosso, MI 48867

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