Norma S. Bachay, age 99 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away December 21, 2025.  She was born on April 7, 1926, to Henrietta and Harry Schulz.  Beloved wife of the late John Bachay, they were married on January 8, 1949. He preceded her in death January 2, 1992, giving them over forty years together. 

Loving mother of John (the late Judi) Bachay, Mary (Michael) Wichser, Nancy (Brad Beaver) Bachay, Patricia (Raymond) Pokrandt, and JoAnne (Dick) Marks. Proud grandma of Jessica (Haider Haimus) Bachay, Jacqui Carmona, Daniel Bachay, Lauren (Kyle) Brinkman, Nicholas (Amanda) Wichser, Joseph (Annie) Wichser, Mark Pokrandt (Olivia), Rebecca (Phil) Tarnowski, Zachariah Marks (Abbey), JoHanna Marks (John), Caleb Marks (Abby), Brandi (John) Compton, and Chelsea (Louis) New.  Cherished great-grandmother to Abbas, Yusef, and Amir Haimus; Valentina, Diego, and Aviva Carmona; Audrey and Miles Wojtasiak; Wyatt, Nolan, Alivia, and Mia Wichser; Vincent and Shiloh Wichser; Lilly & Sophie Compton; and Asher & Blake New.  Dear cousin, Janet Raddatz Key, her special friend and soulmate, Deena Doherty and caregiver for years, Kelly Bowles.

Norma graduated as salutatorian of her high school, Nathan Hale in West Allis, WI. During World War II, she supported the war effort by sewing Army uniforms.   Her time in the workforce included being a legal secretary for Northwestern Mutual and two stints at the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center in Milwaukee. The interdisciplinary team from the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation team at the VA have remained her close friends for thirty years since her retirement.

Norma was an avid seamstress, creating many of her children’s clothes.  She was also a voracious reader and a champion puzzle maker.  She loved socializing with friends and family, Friday night fish fries, card games of all varieties, especially bridge, sheepshead, and canasta, and drinking Manhattans, as well as grasshoppers the last few months.   She will be remembered for her quick wit, impressive scrabble skills, and enabling all her children and grandchildren to be together each year after Christmas in Door County.  

Memorial donations in honor of Norma can be made to Underdog Pet Rescue and Vet Services in Madison, Wisconsin,  Donation for Underdog Pet Rescue.

A celebration of life will be held Tuesday December 30 from 4:00pm-7:00pm at O’Sullivan's Public House, 12525 W North Ave.  Brookfield.