Norma Allerhand, 95 years young, died on Dec. 29, 2019, just 5 days short of her 96th birthday.

Norma lived life to its fullest. In her own words, she said she embraced every joyful experience she could.

When asked about her greatest achievement (or even if not asked), she would say her two daughters, Dr. Judy A. Willis, neurologist and educator, and Joyce E. Dudley, district attorney of Santa Barbara County.

But she would quickly add that their husbands, Dr. Paul S. Willis and John G Dudley, were extraordinary and amazing men who she was honored to call her sons.

Norma was also blessed with six remarkable grandchildren — Malana Willis (Dr. Sawyer Haig), Alani Willis, Chris Callahan-Dudley (Meg Callahan), Matt Capritto, Michael Callahan (Morgan), Sam (Erica) Dudley — and six perfect great-grandchildren, Madison, Gus, Beau, Audrey, Gretel and Eleanor.

Norma was born on Jan. 1, 1924, and raised in New York. In High School she was voted best athlete, and throughout her life she was a voracious learner and reader.

She attended college, one night class at a time, for 17 years. She eventually graduated UCSB in 1981, a very proud Gaucho.

She was preceded in death by her dream husband, Morty Allerhand, and recently by her loving son-in-law, John Dudley.

She loved the color purple because it was a gorgeous non-primary color.

When asked what message she wanted to leave behind, she said she wanted to double-down on John’s words, and remind everyone to love their family (Norma always considered close friends Cathy, Jim and Chris to be part of our “family”), experience the great outdoors as often as possible, and above all “HAVE FUN”!