Norma Mary Bonnie-Baffoe

Norma Mary Bonnie‑Baffoe, age 90, of Waseca, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Colony Court Senior Living in Waseca.

Norma was born on February 3, 1936, on the Neigebauer family farm south of Owatonna to William and Kathryn (Hofer) Neigebauer. She began her education in a country school in Steele County and later graduated from Owatonna High School with the Class of 1954. She continued her studies at the University of Minnesota, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree, and later returned to school to complete her MBA from Mankato State University.

Throughout her career, Norma worked for several companies, including the University of Minnesota, Pillsbury and Evans Products, before spending many years as a production planner at Brown Printing in Waseca. In between her professional endeavors, Norma was united in marriage to Edward Baffoe‑Bonnie. Together they had one daughter and spent a year living in Ghana before later divorcing.

Norma lived a life rich with curiosity, creativity, and connection. She was an avid reader and a passionate quilter, lovingly crafting quilts for family members—especially to welcome new babies. She was a proud member of the Waseca Quilters Guild and delighted in creating quilts with African fabrics, many of which she entered in the Waseca County Fair. Norma also enjoyed playing cards, tending to her flower garden, and visiting with friends old and new. She had a warm, welcoming presence and a gentle, positive spirit; she never spoke ill of anyone and made others feel at ease with her calm nature.

A devoted Minnesota Gophers fan, Norma also loved researching family history and exploring the world. Travel was her greatest joy, and she believed deeply in the value of experiencing other cultures. Among her many adventures, her favorite trips were to Ghana, Mexico and Thailand.

Above all, Norma cherished her role as a grandmother. She was a devoted “#1 Grandma,” treasuring every moment—from babysitting her grandchildren as infants to watching them grow into adulthood.

Norma is survived by her daughter, Simone Ntim; grandchildren, Josef Ntim and Maya (Tatiana) Ntim‑Mackins; brothers, Walter Neigebauer and Daryl (Janice) Neigebauer; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Clarence and Robert; and sisters, Florence Schroeder and Rita Eisterhold.

Norma will be remembered for her kindness, her creativity, her adventurous spirit, and the love she poured into her family and community.

A gathering of family and friends will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the State Street Chapel of Dennis‑Steffel‑Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service, with a time of remembrance and sharing beginning at 12:00 noon.

In honor of Norma, the family invites attendees to wear casual attire, and may include their favorite Minnesota Gopher apparel.