Norma M. Kechkaylo

Norma Kechkaylo, 91, of Niles, formerly of Berrien Springs, passed away on Sunday, July 23, 2023, at Brentwood of Niles.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 26, at Allred Funeral Home in Berrien Springs, with Pastor Ross Tarantino officiating. Burial will follow at Crystal Springs Cemetery in Benton Harbor at 12:45 p.m. Friends may visit with the family at the funeral home at 11 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association in lieu of flowers. Those wishing to leave an online condolence for Norma may do so at www.allredfuneralhome.com.

Norma was born on July 25, 1931, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to Adolph and Olga Getterson. She married William “Bill” Kechkaylo on September 16, 1949, in Benton Harbor, and they were happily married for 59 years. He preceded her in death on July 28, 2009.

Norma worked at Browns Restaurant in Benton Harbor as a teenager. She later in life got her real estate license and worked part-time at Sears in Benton Harbor. Norma enjoyed ceramics, sewing, cooking, baking and playing the piano, and she was actively involved in church.

Norma is survived by her five children: Karen (Juan) Galvan of Niles; William (Kathleen) Kechkaylo, Jr., of Niles; Michael Kechkaylo of Berrien Springs; David (Christine) Kechkaylo of Noblesville, Ind.; Timothy (Karen) Kechkaylo of Delphi, Ind.; 19 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William; three sisters and one brother.