She was a presence during finals week of Lamar’s World Championship Tennis championship in Dallas, at one time called the sport’s “fifth Grand Slam.” She mixed well with international media who covered tennis and could converse on a level that surprised them.

But it was in her personal relationships that conjure up the most vivid memories of Norma. She touched the lives of not only countless sports people she met, but also those of fans and their families. She met every person, every player, stadium worker, public official, and fan with a smile no matter what their station in life might have been. She sought to make everyone comfortable in her presence. With her friends, she had singular and remarkable relations. She was always thoughtful, sensitive and interested – but never intrusive. Their pleasure, somehow, became her pleasure, their disappointment, suddenly hers. Their victories were a reason for her to celebrate, and their concerns engaged her patient and sympathetic ear. Acts of kindness extended to her, large or small, were received enthusiastically and gratefully. In short, she reduced life to the essentials.

If she was disappointed with something or someone, you never heard it expressed in angry words. Those who may look at her through the glamour of her position as an NFL owner’s wife will be disappointed. Her life was simple for the un-escapable reason that she was a gracious lady. She enriched the lives of her family, her friends and everyone she came in contact with. She also helped shape, proudly for the better, the world of sport as we know it.