Norma Jean HermansonKnoxville, TNNorma Jean Hermanson, age 72, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2017 at the Sweetwater Nursing and Rehabilitation Center after a yearlong battle with cancer and complications from Parkinson's. Jean was born on August 5, 1944, in Caribou, Maine, the daughter of Gilbert and Gertrude (Coururie) Ouellette. Jean married her best friend, Dave Hermanson, on May 4, 1974, and toether they shared nearly 43 wonderful years together. After graduation from Caribou High School, Jean moved to Portland, Maine and there she began a career as a Computer Key Punch Operator at Campbell, Payson & Noyes. In 1966, she headed west to Southern California where she continued her career at the Aerospace Corporation and later at Continental Airlines in Los Angeles. During her time at Continental Airlines, she realized her dream job becoming an Airport Sales Agent working at both the Ticket Counter and Departure Gates at Los Angeles International Airport. It was during this time that Jean made many friendships with co-workers and these strong friendships continued to this day. Travel was in her blood as she had the opportunity to visit numerous places in both the United States and Canada as well as travels to Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. Of all the places she visited in the world, Paris was always her favorite. After Continental Airline's Bankruptcy in 1982, Jean embarked on a new career working for small family owned office supply stores both in the Los Angeles and Orange County area. Realizing a dream to return to New England, in 1992, Jean and Dave pulled up stakes and moved back to Maine where they spent an enjoyable 15 years living in the Portland area. During their time in Maine, she was fortunate to be able to work part-time in office support roles for several companies including Brooks & Brooks and Perkins Thompson. Jean developed an avid interest in Lighthouses and travelled to visit these in various locations in New England and Atlantic Canada. This interest also resulted in her becoming a volunteer for over 9 years at the Portland Head Light Museum and Gift Shop in Cape Elizabeth. While in Maine Jean rekindled her interest in sewing and made numerous quilts and blankets not only for family and friends, but also donated a number of these to various organizations in the Portland area. Always strong in her Catholic faith, Jean found a calling at St. Bartholomew's Parish in Cape Elizabeth where she participated for a number of various ministries and always felt at home there. With early retirement on the horizon, it was time to head south to a new home and adventures in the Knoxville, Tennessee area. This move enabled her to visit with family members in Florida on a more frequent basis and she also continued her volunteer spirit for a number of years at the Fort Loudon Medical Center in Lenoir City. Although her Parkinson's and Cancer limited her movements and concentration, she continued being strong-willed and independent always working as hard as she could to maintain her strength and stamina.In addition to her parents, Jean was predeseased by her brothers, Edward, Roger, Roland, and Norbert Ouelette. In addition to her husband, Dave, Jean is survived by her brother, Richard (and Joan) Ouelette, of Warrensburg, NY; sisters, Nola Mayo, of Plant City, FL, and Nancy Lewis of Colorado Springs, CO; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and longtime friends from coast-to-coast. She is also survived by three very special people in her life, sister-in-law, Joyce Ouelette of Brewer, ME; niece, Linda Burch of Algyle, NY; and close friend, Karen Burton of Oceanside, CA.The family will receive friends from 10-10:30am on Monday, February 20, at All Saints Catholic Church, with a funeral mass to follow, Fr. Michael Woods officiating. Immediately following the mass, a reception will be held in the Parish Hall. Burial will be at 1:30pm at Oak Ridge Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a memorial donation be made to All Saints Parish Home Campaign, 620 N. Cedar Bluff Road, Knoxville, TN 38923-3229. For family and friends in New England, a memorial donation can be made to St Bartholomew's Parish Building Fund, 8 Two Lights Road, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107-2624. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Sweetwater Nursing & Rehabilitation Center for their compassionate care and understanding during these past months. Your struggles with Cancer and Parkinson's are now over...rest in peace dear Jean. Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel 11915 Kingston Pike is serving the Hermanson family. www.clickfh.com.