Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt, Norma Wright Hafen, passed away on May 4, 2026, in Orem, Utah. She was 7 days shy of her 91st birthday. She was born on May 11, 1935, in College Ward (which later became Young Ward), a farming community just outside of Logan, Utah, to Merlin Foster and Winnie Olsen Wright.

Norma was raised in Los Angeles, California, and always remained a California girl at heart. She had wonderful memories of growing up there with her two brothers (Joe and Jack) and sister (Winifred). She spent a month every summer at her grandparents’ farm in Young Ward, which instilled in her a love for Cache Valley that never faded.

She met her sweetheart, William Jay Hafen, on a blind date. They spent that first date playing tennis - a sport they would enjoy together throughout their lives. They were married on May 1, 1964, in the Los Angeles Temple. They made their home in Orem, Utah, and had four children - Sherri, Steven, Scott, and Susan.

Norma attended Brigham Young University where she received her Bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate in Elementary Education. She taught second grade at elementary schools in Los Angeles, California (1 year) and Orem, Utah (6 years), before deciding to become a stay-at-home mom. As her children got older, she went back to work, running a preschool in her home for 5 years.

Her family and extended family were truly the delight of her life. She loved taking her kids and grandkids on adventures. Norma was her children’s and grandchildren’s biggest fan at their sporting events and performances. She enjoyed hosting activities at her home and always had an open door.

Norma and Bill loved taking their family on trips – visiting relatives, exploring Utah’s National Parks, touring California and other western states. In retirement, Norma and Bill enjoyed many memorable trips with lifelong friends, including a Church History tour, several cruises, and travels in Europe.

Norma bowled with Bill in a couples’ league, as well as participated in a women’s league. She bowled with her family for the last time in December 2025. Other hobbies included service, music, sewing, crocheting, woodworking, outdoor flowers, attending plays and BYU sporting events. She loved working in her yard and garden – which were always beautifully kept.

Norma was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many church callings, with her favorite being the Primary Chorister - a calling for which she served for 11 years. Norma and Bill served together as Church Service Missionaries, ushering for events at the Tabernacle and Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah for 13 years. She often talked about the friendships she made there and the wonderful individuals she met from all around the world.

Throughout her life, she would say her family was her greatest pride, joy, and achievement - and they are the beautiful legacy she leaves behind. Mom - We love you!

Norma is survived by her children, Sherri Hafen, Steve Hafen (Brooke), Scott Hafen, and Sue Bushman (John); thirteen grandchildren; one great-grandson and one great-granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation to honor Norma’s life will be held on May 17, 2026, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the Walker Sanderson Funeral Home, located at 646 E 800 N, Orem, UT, 84097. A Celebration of Life Graveside Service for family and friends will be held at the Orem Cemetery at 11:00 am on May 18, 2026. Services will be streamed at: www.walkersanderson.com. Interment will be in Orem City Cemetery.

We would like to thank the nurses, CNAs, and activity directors at Covington Memory Care, as well as those from Dignity Hospice, who loved, assisted, and cared for her throughout the last year of her life. She greatly enjoyed her association with them and others she met while living there.

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