Norman “Norm” Somers

Norman “Norm” Somers, age 87, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Chelsea Retirement Community (CRC). He was born on August 13, 1938, in Elk Rapids, Michigan, to Richard Ivan and Doris Ellen (Davis) Somers.

To know Norm was to know someone who found joy in the simple things, never met a stranger, and always had another story to tell. He believed life was meant to be lived with gratitude, laughter, and kindness. One of his favorite sayings summed him up perfectly: “Sadness is not part of my dictionary—joy and happiness are.” Those words weren’t just something he said—they were the way he lived.

Norm graduated from Northville High School in 1956 and earned his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Ferris Institute in 1961. But before settling into his lifelong career, he chased a dream. In the spring of 1957, he signed on as a Great Lakes Seaman, working aboard iron ore freighters, including the J.P. Morgan Jr. The Lakes gave him adventures and stories that he shared as a Snipit in life.

After working as a pharmacist in Northville and Novi, Norm opened South Lyon Pharmacy—known to generations of customers simply as “the corner store.” It became much more than a pharmacy. It was a place where people stopped to visit, catch up, and leave smiling. Norm cared for his customers as neighbors and friends, always taking the time to listen, offer encouragement, or brighten someone’s day.

His love for community extended well beyond the pharmacy. He was an active member of Kiwanis, the South Lyon Masonic Lodge #319, and volunteered as a docent at the South Lyon Historical Society’s Witch’s Hat Depot Museum. He was also the kind of neighbor who quietly snow-blowed the sidewalks of nearby businesses each winter—not because anyone asked, but because helping others simply came naturally to him.

Norm and his beloved wife, Myla, shared a wonderful life together filled with love, laughter, and adventures. Whether they were traveling to Florida, exploring the Caribbean, relaxing on the porch, or simply enjoying each other’s company, they found happiness in every season of life.

Norm also had a way of making ordinary moments memorable. Family and friends can easily picture him relaxing with his signature martini—always with three olives—sharing a story that somehow became better each time it was told. His quick wit, gentle humor, and genuine interest in people left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Norm married Myla R. Mull in 1981, and together they shared 45 years of love and partnership. He is survived by Myla; his daughter, Laura Lynn (Todd) Mason of California, Kentucky; his brother, Charles Owen (Rosalie) Somers of Spring Lake, Michigan; five nieces and nephews; and his devoted grand-dog, LeRoy.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen Ann Somers, and his brother, Richard Keith Somers.

Although his family and friends will miss him deeply, they take comfort in knowing that his stories, kindness, laughter, and joyful spirit will continue to live on in all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, August 14, 2026 from 2-4pm in the mezzanine at Chelsea Retirement Community. Memorial contributions may be made to the South Lyon Area Historical Society.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel.