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Norma Ruth Ludwig

Date of Death: January 16, 2025

Date of Birth: June 21, 1935

Biography:

Norma Ruth Ludwig died January 16th with her daughters Gail and Karen holding her hands. She was 90 years old.
She was born on the summer solstice to Harrington and Ruth Bradbury in Belfast Maine. After graduating from Crosby High School she attended the University of Maine in Orono. A young man named John Ludwig was also attending after returning from the Korean War. When he saw her walk by one of his classes he reportedly remarked “I’m going to marry that girl”. He did propose on the first date and was turned down. His comically inept courting included the phrase “Norma, your eyes,” “Yes John,” “Your eyes are like,” “Yes John,” “big cow eyes!” “Go away John.” He persisted and eventually convinced her to marry him.
They married the Labor Day before her junior year, honey mooning at the family cottage at Ocean Point Maine.
Norma’s college career was interrupted as she soon became pregnant with her first child and in those days pregnant women were not allowed to attend college. She supported John while he completed his engineering degree, always hoping to return to college to finish her degree.
When the youngest of her four children entered school she started taking classes at the University of Southern Maine, all the while working full time as a classroom aide and parenting her four children. She completed both her undergraduate and master’s degrees in education.
She taught in the Bath school system and was known for her gifted way with getting children to love reading and learn far beyond what was expected of their age. She believed that a classroom should be a community where learning happened. She focused on helping children
to develop caring, supportive relationships within that community. Many troubled children were sent to classroom as she was known for finding ways to help them gain self confidence and self love in a setting where they were respected by their peers. With that base of support the behavioral issues generally resolved. One example was of a boy, “Bobby” who was diagnosed with ADD. She often had children working in small groups. One day he looked up, realized he should be in a group across the room. He ran across the desk tops to get there. “Look children,” she said, “Bobby got to his group without us reminding him! Now next time Bobby better to walk on the floor to get to your group.” Another example was of a very tall boy with anger issues. He had been tossed out of other classrooms. One day she could see he was getting in trouble with mood. She sent the other children to recess and called him to her.

He was a head taller than she was and came over, standing over her with his fist pulled back ready to strike out. Instead of calling for help she stood up and opened her arms and after a pause he fell into them sobbing. Comforted, he was able to rejoin the class after recess.
Norma faced many hard losses in her life, particularly the accidental death of her son Eric at age 12, and the sudden death of her beloved John when she was 52 and the recent death of her eldest daughter Ruth. She carried on with courage, relying on her deep faith.Ten years after she lost John her daughter and a friend, Elna Joseph, set her up on a blind date with Jan Bijhouwer who had been widowed the year before. The date was not a success, with Norma spraining her ankle (Jan: “She’s not athletic!”) and Jan having difficulty hearing in a loud restaurant (Norma: “He can’t hear!). Nonetheless Jan persisted and they found that not only was Norma quite athletic, but also Jan was open to getting a hearing aide. Along with Jan’s collie Laddy the two of them had over 10 years of love and adventures together. Norma’s firm belief was that God is Love, and she sought to practice that in all of her relationships. She remarked over and over again that love is the most important aspect of life. She had a wonderful sense of humor. Her favorite afternoon would be visiting with former students, family, friends, or neighbors, and as she said, “Talking and laughing and feeling the love.”

Norma was predeceased by her parents, her husband John, her companion Jan Bijhouwer, her son Eric and daughter Ruth Ludwig Lind, and her sister Carolyn Wight. She is survived by her daughter Karen Ludwig (Catherine), Gail Reynolds (Steve), brothers David (Elaine) and John
Bradbury, and sister Georgia Bradbury as well as much loved nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Services will be at Phippsburg Congregational church UCC at 1:00 pm February 7th with reception to follow in the fellowship hall. Norma’s family would especially appreciate seeing former students and teachers. If one feels able writing those down memories of Mrs. Ludwig for us to read later that would be a great comfort to us. If unable to attend the service these can be sent to Karen Ludwig, 1284 High Street, Bath, Maine 04530.
Those who would would like to make a donation in Norma’s honor could send to:
Good Shepherd Food Bank, 3121 Hotel Road, Auburn, Maine, 04210-8398