Norma LaVaun (Bruner) Harkins, age 101, passed away peacefully in her home on 6/6/2023 surrounded by her family. Norma was born in Ames, Iowa, the oldest daughter of 3 born to Norman and Greeta (Buckman) Bruner. Her childhood and teen years were spent in Oelwein and Sumner, Iowa. She attended Upper Iowa University where she met the love of her life, Joseph 'Pat' Harkins. They were married on March 25, 1941. After WWII they lived in Crystal Lake, Illinois, then moved to Long Beach, California in 1961. In 1970 they made beautiful Port Angeles their final home.Norma taught school in Iowa, Illinois, and California for 20 years and operated a pre-school in Port Angeles during the 70's. She was a superb homemaker and was known to be an excellent seamstress. She was fascinated with writing and authored several biographical sketches of family members, short stories and 1 novel. Norma was also a member of Queen of Angeles Catholic Church and the Legion of Mary. Love of God, family, friends, and our country has been her lifetime resolve.Norma was preceded in death by her husband, son, Joseph Harkins Jr., daughter Norma Jean Ramirez and sister Harriet Bruner.Norma is survived by her sister Jean Olsen of Sioux City, Iowa; son Dennis (Nancy) Harkins and daughter Celeste (Leland) Miller of Port Angeles. She is also survived by grandchildren: Shannon Chierichetti, Kevin Harkins, Shelley Smith, Angela Harkins, Kari Harkins Cincotto, Brigette Coville, Maureen Hagaman, Sheila Danielson, Sean Miller and 17 great children and 1 great, great, grandson.