Norma Jean ColyarJan. 25, 1943 - Feb. 20, 2009After a year-long battle with colon cancer, Norma Jean Colyar died quietly at her home in Albany at the age of 66.  Born in Rapid City, SD., to Inmogene and Elmer Hansen, she moved with her mother and grandparents to Okanogan, Wash., in 1945. Imogene married William C. Cook in 1947 and he adopted Norma. The oldest of four children, she was very close to her maternal grandmother, Lena Jury who lived with the family. Growing up she was active in Rainbow Girls and known locally for her synchronized and distance swimming.Norma married Richard Colyar, in 1962 and later had four children. During this time she lived in Omak, Cheney, and Sprague WA. After divorcing in 1976, Norma lived in Omak and Okanogan, and worked for 15 years at Mid-Valley Hospital. She eventually moved to Albany  where she resided until her death.Norma was a remarkable person who faced many challenges in her life. To her credit she kept her family intact, raised four children and played an important role in raising her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her house was always open and available to anyone who needed a place to stay, a meal, or a hug. Her willingness to talk and listen to family and friends and support them in good times and bad made her a magnet for all. She was a major influence in the lives of the people she knew and will be sorely missed.Norma is survived by mother Imogene Cook of Mesa, AZ,; sister Margaret; brothers Richard and Tom Cook, and Norman, Ed, Gordon and Mike Hansen.; children Ken, Jennifer and Jeff Colyar; grandchildren Melissa, Karina, Tim, Amanda and Rebecca; and great grandchildren Susie, Chris, Caleb, Alexis, Tristyn, Makaylah, and Dylan.She was preceded in death by birth father Elmer Hansen; adoptive father William Cook; and son Christopher Colyar.AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home is handling the arrangements ( www.aasum-dufour.com ).