Norma Mae Gwinn Kumbier of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Livonia, Caro, and Caseville, age 98, passed away Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Silver Maples of Chelsea. She was born March 8, 1928, in Caseville Township, Michigan, the daughter of Allan S. & Mae Elizabeth (Thick) Gwinn.
Norma attended Hayes School and Pigeon Rural Agricultural School, graduating in 1946. She attended Central Michigan University, Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, and Western Michigan University. Norma was a member of the Sigma Tau Delta. She worked as a school librarian for Cass City Public Schools and Livonia Public Schools. She enjoyed being in book clubs. She was a board member of the Harold & Carolyn Robison Foundation for 50 years; and was active in every church she attended throughout her life: Hayes United Methodist Church in Pigeon, Caro United Methodist Church, Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church in Livonia, and more recently, St. Paul United Church of Christ in Chelsea.
On June 17, 1950, Norma married William Karl Kumbier at Hayes United Methodist Church in McKinley Township and he preceded her in death on September 6, 1996. In addition, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Paul Allan and Richard Daniel; and her sister-in-law, Elaine Barbara. She is survived by two sons, William A. Kumbier of Webb City, Missouri, and Timothy J. (Mary) Kumbier of Canton; one daughter, Mary K. (Stephen) Seymour of Chelsea; eight grandchildren, Alana Kumbier, David (Stephanie) Kumbier, Alec (Carol) Kumbier, Benjamin (Elisabeth) Seymour, Zachary Seymour, Eric (Alexa) Kumbier, Kirk (Kayla) Kumbier, and Karl Kumbier; nine great-grandchildren, Kelly Kumbier, Phillip Kumbier, Noah Seymour, Aaron Seymour, Brenner Kumbier, Grey Kumbier, Calumet Seymour, Kira Kumbier and Mika Kumbier; and five nieces and nephews, Dan Gwinn, Joe Gwinn, Sarah Stringer, Dianne Santinga, and Allan Gwinn.
A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 1 p.m. at Silver Maples in Chelsea, with Rev. Jeff Crowder officiating. The family will receive friends after the service. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Saginaw. Memorial contributions may be made to charity of your choice. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
Click here to watch the video of Norma's celebration of life.
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Comments
Kumbier. It was in a Little Library located on
Park Street. Her name was written on the inside.
Seeing "Silver Maples of Chelsea" stamped on
the outside, I felt compelled to look her name up.
I'm glad to have learned a little about her life.
That life is now imprinted on mine in a
small way. Thoughts and prayers to her family.
May she rest in peace.
I know you know, but she was an amazing, funny and smart lady. Hugs to you all!
Shawn