Norma Jean Davidson Brindle’s Life Recipe
Faithfully lived, graciously shared.
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” — Romans 12:10
Norma Brindle (Davidson), of Ashland, Ohio, went to her heavenly home on January 21, 2026, surrounded by love and the assurance of eternal life in Christ. Like her famous pies, Norma’s life nourished others, gathered people together, and was generously shared.
Her life reflected the finest ingredients: a faithful heart turned toward others, a steady joy rooted in her faith in Jesus Christ, and a servant’s spirit devoted to encouraging and caring for those around her. Mixed with her deep compassion was a peppy, fun-loving presence that brought lightness, laughter, and warmth into every room. She had a rare gift for making people feel seen, heard, and genuinely valued.
She was married to the love of her life, Jack Edward Brindle, who passed away before her. Norma was an extraordinary mother to Robin (Dan) Donatini and Terri (Ken) Jewett. She was an adoring grandmother to Dan (Julie) Donatini, Amie (Ben) Spieldenner, Adam (Leah) Donatini, Kameren Jewett, and Brianne (Luke) Brenneman, and a great-grandmother to Mya, Sara, and Chloe Donatini; Isabella and Bekum Spieldenner; and Braden and Ayla Donatini, each of whom brought her great pride and happiness.
Born in Lexington, Ohio, to James and Mary Davidson, Norma was raised alongside eleven siblings in a family where caring for others was foundational. She cherished each of her brothers and sisters and remained deeply connected to them throughout her life: Donald (Mary) Davidson, Marilyn (Donald) Renfroe, Dean (Sally) Davidson, Sandra Davidson, Larry (Diane) Davidson, Joyce Davidson, Shirley (Daniel) Stiteler, Carol Eicher, Vicki (Marty) Breitinger, Karen (Edwin) Dunlap, and Roger (Gayle) Davidson. The love she knew in her family became the love she shared so freely with others.
Norma dearly loved her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jane and Dick Rudy, and held close the time and memories they shared. Her nieces and nephews and their families were deeply important to her and always close to her heart. She is also remembered by Chris Brindle and was grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with him. The companionship of her friend, Marion (Pete) Altman, brought joy and comfort in later years.
Throughout her life, she worked in various roles, including as an elementary school librarian and a jewelry store sales associate, but her most meaningful work was the devotion she poured into her family and community. Her faith shaped every part of her life. She treasured God’s Word, took delight in singing hymns, and was an active part of her church and fellowship group, where she built lasting friendships and continued to grow spiritually.
She was well known for her warm hospitality and her famous homemade pies, always served with conversation, laughter, and genuine kindness. Along with her enjoyment of reading, family gatherings, shopping, card games, jigsaw puzzles, and traveling, Norma remained deeply connected with friends and classmates, including her Lexington High School Class of 1949. She often visited shut-ins and friends in nursing homes, bringing conversation and encouragement.
A celebration of Norma’s life will be held on March 21, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Oak and Ivory Event Center in Ashland, Ohio. Family and friends are kindly invited to gather, remember, and celebrate a life so faithfully lived and graciously shared. There will be pie, served as Norma always lived life, with generosity and warmth. She would gently insist that everyone take a second slice.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions to the Ashland Pregnancy Care Center.