Norma Jeanne MacKay was born April 28, 1942 in West Falls, New York to Rev. Chalmer and Myrtle Rummel, while her father worked in a factory during World War II. Soon after, the family moved to Chaffey, New York, where Rev. Rummel became pastor at First Baptist Chaffey. Norma and her family made several moves as Rev. Rummel took various pastorates across Nebraska, Kansas, and finally Illinois.

The family settled in Bradford, Illinois where Norma went to high school and graduated in 1959. After graduation, Norma left Bradford to work in The STUPE at Wheaton College. It was at this time she met her husband to be, David MacKay. In May, 1960, they were engaged and that fall attended Tennessee Temple University in Chatanooga. They were married the following June. Upon graduation in 1965, Dave and Norma returned to the Chicago Suburbs with their daughter, Cathy. They lived in LaGrange for nine years during which time Don and Cheri became a part of their home. Church Ministry was an integral part of Norma's life and she served in various ways. She loved singing in the choir and leading Children's Church.

In 1972, life changed dramatically after the birth of Scott, who had a severe hemorrhage in the brain at only 8 days old. Scott's condition was entirely unknown to the medical community and after numerous surgeries was left multipli-handicapped. Norma dedicated herself to the care and upbringing of Scott with the same love and care as her other 3 children.

In 1975, the Lord graciously opened the door to build a home in Winfield to meet the ongoing needs of the family. Norma took a job at Central DuPage Hospital to help supplement the family's expenses. This began a 13 year career with CDH. In 1988, Norma took a position with Dr. Richard Jorgensen as office manager, She then moved on to a position with Conservative Baptist Foreign Mission Society. In 1998, CBFMS moved it's headquarters to Colorado and Norma remained with her family. After a short time working for The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM), Norma returned to the medical field working for OAD (Orthopedics Associates of DuPage). She worked there until being diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer in 2005.

Through these years, Norma remained faithfully involved at First Baptist Church of Wheaton. She had a deep love for God's Word and was determined to praise the Lord through every experience – good or bad, easy or hard. Her life was an example to many. While battling her own illness, she remained dedicated to caring for Scott and Dave, who was also very ill. Her life and commitment to Jesus her Savior, remained steadfast through the death of her husband 16 months ago. Enduring countless challenges due to the cancer, Norma finally succumbed to this horrible disease on Saturday, March 21 surrounded by her children, Cathy, Don and his wife Kristen, as well as Cheri and her husband Steve.

Norma is survived by her daughter, Cathy MacKay of Carol Stream, IL; son, Don (Kristen) MacKay of Manila, Philippines; daughter, Cheri (Steve) Clark of Winfield, IL; and son, Scott MacKay of University Park, IL. She is also survived by her brothers, Robert (Karen) Rummel, Sr. of Glen Ellyn, Illinois; and Wayne (Eileen) Rummel of Lannon, Wisconsin, seven grandchildren, David MacKay, Austin MacKay, Anna Clark, Caleb MacKay, Noah Clark, Ethan Clark, and Isabelle Clark as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceeded in death by her husband, David; and parents Chalmer and Myrtle Rummel, nee Nelson.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 25, from 4-8 P.M. at First Baptist Church of Wheaton, 1310 N. Main St., in Wheaton, where a memorial service will also be held on Thursday, March 26, at 7:00 P.M. Interment is private at Wheaton Cemetery.

Our mother had a deep love for the Lord and others. Mom loved the Church and had the gift of hospitality. We have two memorial gifts to honor her. The first is to help furnish the new hospitality center of Faith Academy (Manila, Philippines) where Don and Kristen are serving as missionaries. The second will be used for the ministries of First Baptist Church of Wheaton (IL).

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be directed to First Love International Ministries, Faith Academy Hospitality Center Project, PO Box 15836, Loves Park, IL 61132; or to First Baptist Church, 1310 N. Main St., Wheaton IL 60187.