Norma Rae Bullock (Ackerman), a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Hospice House in Bellingham, Washington, after a long and courageous battle with dementia. She was 74 years old.

Born on March 27, 1951, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bellingham to Doris and Herald Ackerman, Norma spent her childhood in Bellingham alongside her siblings Brenda Hawley and Hal Ackerman. As a child, she was quiet and sweet, spending countless summer days roaming the South Side with her siblings and best friend Teri.

Norma became a mother at a young age, giving birth to her daughter Tonia Thrift in 1967 and Jackie Mills in 1973. Her selflessness was never more evident than in her devotion to motherhood. On September 14, 1975, she married Rick Bullock in her mother’s home on Garden Street. Together, they built a loving and adventurous life, supporting their daughters’ roller skating careers and spending countless hours at the rink and on the road for competitions. Norma lovingly made all the skating dresses by hand.

Professionally, Norma was a highly respected kitchen and bathroom designer in Whatcom County for more than 30 years. She worked at Sash and Door and later at A-1 Builders – Adaptations, where she finished her career as a project manager. Even after retiring, she continued to channel her creativity and business savvy into running a clever dog treat business called Bone-Appetit, followed by a successful eBay store specializing in purses and wallets.

Norma had an extraordinary eye for design and a passion for creativity. Whether sewing skating dresses, organizing craft days for her children and later on grandchildren, or perfecting a garden she lovingly tended despite her challenges with growing plants, she infused beauty into everything she touched. Her love for holidays, music, and gathering with loved ones was contagious and has left a lasting impression on her children and grandchildren.

She and Rick shared a love of adventure, enjoying time on snowmobiles, fishing trips, boating excursions to the San Juan Islands, and vacations like their trip to Puerto Vallarta. Her home was a haven not only for her family but also for many rescued animals she welcomed with open arms.

Norma will be remembered for her unwavering kindness, easy laughter, and her ability to find the good in any situation. She had a warm word for everyone she met, never passed judgment, and carried herself with a gentle spirit that brought comfort and joy to those around her. She also gave generously of her time, volunteering for many years at the Redwood Home, a residence for individuals with Down syndrome and donated yearly to local animal shelters.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Doris and Herald Ackerman; her siblings Lisa and Donny, and many beloved pets.

Norma is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 50 years, Rick Bullock, her daughters, Tonia Thrift and Jackie Mills, her three grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and her siblings Brenda Hawley and Hal Ackerman.

Her tuna fish sandwiches were legendary, her heart immeasurable, and her legacy everlasting.