UPPER LAKE, Calif. – The life of longtime Upper Lake resident Norma Clay will be remembered in a special event this Sunday, May 18.

The celebration of life and potluck will be held beginning at noon at Upper Lake County Park, 575 East Highway 20.

The State Grange master, Native Daughters and Rebeccas members, and local 4-H will be on hand to speak about Norma and her decades of contributions to those organizations and the community.

Norma Christine Barney Clay was born to Felix and Helen Barney on Dec. 21, 1922, in Willits.

She died on Saturday, March 8, at the age of 91, at Sutter Lakeside Hospital.

She lived in Upper Lake for more than 65 years. Norma loved Upper Lake and all it was, was in most the parades every year and loved to dress up for it.

Norma worked for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in the lookout service and the United States Forest Service. She watched for fires at the High Glade and Konocti lookout towers.

She was passionate about her job and many visitors enjoyed watching sunrises and sunsets with her while tasting her delicious cookies.

Among her other achievements, Norma had been grand marshal in the Lake County Fair parade. She won first prize many years for her booths and other fun things.

She would say, “Don't miss the fair this year, it will be unforgettable.”

She also was a member of the Methodist Church, and was especially dedicated to her family.

Norma was the beloved mother of Jean Knigge, Donald L. Roy Clay, Daniel Clay, William Clay and Judy Clay Pinto, and was the matriarch of a large family.

Her family thanked Sutter Lakeside Hospital for being so helpful with the large group of family members who were hovering around and helping Norma pass peacefully.

She had a cool last trip to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento and will help teach doctors and nurses by donating her body to science.

Norma was a quiet woman and made up for that by being so giving all her life. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.