Norma Rands

Norma Ruth Rands, 86, passed away at the home of her eldest daughter Dianne, in Thousand Oaks, California, on Sunday, July 14, 2013. Norma was born on December 3, 1926 and was the second of three children. Her parents were John Maximillian Rands and Ann Rands. She grew up in Westwood where her father had a nearby dental practice. During her former years, Norma attended University Elementary School (UES) - a renowned, progressive lab school directed by UCLA. Later, she attended University (Uni) High School, LA City College, and Santa Monica College. She continued her lifelong love of learning through reading unabridged works written by Mark Twain, O'Henry, Thomas Wolfe, Thomas Hardy, Dostoevsky, and Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, among others. Family was Norma's priority. She raised four children-Dianne, Nancy, Carrie, and Don. Norma is survived by her children and five grandchildren-Kaitlynn, Valerie, Devon, Colin, Christopher, and her cat, Flicka. She has graciously imparted a strong sense of honesty, calm, balance, and compassion to others. Norma enjoyed an active life. She played and followed tennis for many decades, and loved to walk. Every night after dinner, she took long walks with the dogs. While on summer vacation, we walked around Balboa Island or into town and to the ferry daily, or up to the Bird Park and campground or past the Casino and along the boardwalk while on Catalina. She was really good at swing dancing and passed her love of dancing on to her children. All things beautiful were fully appreciated by Norma. She loved peaceful, natural landscapes, fine art that told a story, and music. Big Band music was her favorite. The majestic, 600 year old Valley Oak Tree that stands behind her home in Agoura was the inspiration for her living there for the past 21 years. Norma practiced Transcendental Meditation (TM) for the past 45 years. She meditated and did her yoga postures (asanas) daily. Because of her deep love and respect for animals, she became a vegetarian. Her life exemplified abundance and wisdom. She lived a long, fulfilling and healthy life until only very recently; for this, we can be grateful. Norma will be deeply missed. Jai Guru Dev.