Norma L. Cipolla

Norma L. Cipolla, age 99, of Winona Lake, IN, passed away December 14, 2020, at 6:14 a.m. at Grace Village Health Care.  She was born on April 13, 1921, in Chicago, IL, to Edward and Anna (Foerster) Klinger.  Norma was formerly of Homewood, IL.   She married Frank Hunssinger, Sr., who preceded her in death.  On May 3, 1958, she married John F. Cipolla, who also preceded her in death on December 3, 1984.  Norma worked as a Police Matron for the Village of Homewood and also as a Crossing Guard for over 30 years serving students and watching them grow into adults who visited her frequently.  She then spent many years working in sales and as a cashier for Second Chance Resale Shop, in Steger, IL, with all proceeds benefiting homeless animals up for adoption.  She retired from that position at the age of 89. Survivors include her daughters, Karen (Edwin) Kern, Sr. of Frankfort, IL; Deborah (John) Sadler of Warsaw; and Daughter-in-Law Pam Hunssinger of Lake Zurich, IL.  Her grandchildren include: Michelle (Michael) Collins; Leslie (Dave) Kompare; Edwin (Chris) Kern, Jr.; Sarah (Dave) Whatling; Andrew (Rori) Hunssinger; Jessica (Adam) Nowak; and Derek Sadler.  In addition, she is survived by 10 great grandchildren.  She was also preceded by her son, Frank Hunssinger, Jr. in 2019. Norma lived a full life and was an inspiration to everyone she met.  She had a beautiful soul and always cared for others.  Her heart was especially with animals (even owning a monkey as a young girl) and children, and she referred to one of her favorite songs often, Bless The Beasts and The Children.  She and her husband John had their most memorable times camping at Jellystone Park in Pierceton.  She happily cooked full Sunday meals every day they were there and the neighbors often wandered over to see if there were leftovers.  She enjoyed hosting meals and bonfires with her family and friends and their dog, Pebbles. In their free time they enjoyed going to garage sales and getting bargains including costume jewelry which she happily adorned.  Family trips to Germany; Florida; and The Caribbean were highlights for her as well.  Her musical abilities included playing music by ear on the organ and also being a participant in the Chicago World Fairs in 1933 and 1934 playing the marimba.  Her love of happy polka music spread to all who loved her and her yearly birthday trips to German restaurants in Chicago led to a lot of polka dancing  with family, like it or not.  During her childhood, her family owned bakeries which were frequented by Al Capone, bearing gifts for Norma’s mom.  Many blessed years with many memorable stories and lots of love. At the family’s request, services will be private and entrusted to McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw.   Bryan Benjamin will officiate, with interment in Oakwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Animal Welfare League, PO Box 1906, Warsaw, IN, 46581 OR Grace Village Retirement Community c/o ARTcare Program, 337 Grace Village Drive, Winona Lake, IN, 46590, ATTN:  Tammy Smith.