Norma Howell was born in Wangaratta, and her early life was spent on the family farm near Beechworth.
After being awarded a studentship, she attended Melbourne University, Melbourne Teachers College, Larnook Teachers College and Emily Macpherson College of Domestic Economy.
She ended up being one of the most highly qualified teachers in her field at that time, receiving a Diploma of Domestic Arts and Secondary Teacher’s Certificate.
She was then invited to pursue an additional year to study Fashion Design and Institutional Management of Food Services.
Norma particularly enjoyed all aspects of food science, and she also excelled in fine needlework and the intricacies of dressmaking, embroidery and millinery.
During her academic years, she won numerous awards, particularly in cookery and cake decorating.
In 1954, Norma was appointed to teach at Benalla High School, moving from there to Leongatha in 1956, where she was senior mistress for a time.
She returned to Benalla and, in 1957, married Peter Grubb, who worked in the family business, Millers.
They had two daughters, Sheryl and Anita, and eventually three grandsons.
Returning to teach at Benalla High School, Norma taught Textiles, Fashion Design and Home Economics for more than 25 years.
She also took evening classes at the Council of Adult Education up until 2000.
Students excelled under her tutorship, winning many prizes at the Benalla Show and the Royal Melbourne Show.
Norma had a long history of involvement with community organisations.
Often holding office, she was a member of the Benalla Arts Council, Music Listeners Group, Floral Art Group, Benalla Art Gallery, Friends of the Benalla Library, Benalla Historical Society, Benalla CWA, Benalla Rural City Australia Day Committee and the Victorian Red Cross Emergency Catering Team.
She also served on the Anglican Church Council and the Anglican Ladies Group.
After the flood of 1993, during which both her house and Millers were inundated, Norma collected 1700 signatures in a petition demanding action to prevent future flooding.
For the following 10 years, she was the only woman on the Benalla Flood Plain Management Commission, which was set up to develop flood remediation plans for Benalla.
Her community involvement was recognised with multiple awards, including:
- The Benalla Rotary award for Vocational Service — Pride of Workmanship, 1987/88;
- With husband Peter, a Benalla Australia Day Achievement award for continuing with their business following the disastrous flood of 1993;
- Benalla Rural City Australia Day Achievement award (2006);
- Medal of the Order of Australia (2014); and
- Australian Museums and Art Galleries Association Volunteer of the Year (2019) for her contribution to the Benalla Historical Society over 45 years.
Following the death of Peter in 2006, Norma took over the role as managing director of Millers Department Store which, after 132 years, is still in the family.
At her thanksgiving service on November 27, her daughter, Sheryl, concluded her eulogy with this statement: “Norma believed in what are old-fashioned values today, such as being mindful of others who need a hand, helping out behind the scenes, and in developing the social fabric of a community through volunteering.
“She was a giver, not a taker, a superb organiser and leader of people.
“The community of Benalla has benefited from her generosity and energy for over 65 years. She was someone who led a life well lived.”
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