PORTLAND — Norma Marie (Pettis) Gribbin, 86, of Portland, passed away Sept. 24 surrounded by her family. She was born in Portland on the Fourth of July in 1929, the eldest child of Francis “Happy” and Magda Petra Skjodt “Mida” (Pedersen) Pettis.

Gribbin graduated from Portland High School in 1947, then married her high school sweetheart, John “Jack” Gribbin, with whom she raised six children.

Gribbin loved reading and music – Stephen King and Frank Sinatra were among her favorites – and she was proud of her Danish and Irish heritage. Her children and grandchildren gave her joy beyond words.

She was loved and will be missed by all who knew her; her birthday was celebrated each year with fireworks and storytelling.

Gribbin was predeceased by her husband, Jack, to whom she was married for 41 years; her brothers, Francis Jr. and Robert Pettis and a son, Martin Gribbin.

Gribbin is survived by four sons, Thomas Gribbin, Steven Gribbin, Christopher Gribbin and his longtime girlfriend Lisa Fogg, and John Gribbin and his longtime girlfriend, Vanessa Sylvester; a daughter, Kathleen Neidig and her husband, Brett; five grandchildren, John and Marie Neidig, Daniel, Allison and Chelsea Gribbin; two brothers, Timothy and his wife, Patricia Pettis, David and his wife, Linda Pettis; a sister, Elinor and her husband, Raymond Fogg and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to her wonderful RNs at MMC P3CD.

A funeral service was held Sept. 29, with the burial taking place in Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.