Norma Phyllis Kutzer

Norma Phyllis Kutzer was born on January 19, 1940 in Brooklyn, New York, where she grew up. Her parents were Sol and Olga Kutzer. They were Russian Jews, and Olga had suffered from, and been traumatized by, the violent Cossack attacks on Jewish villages.

When I heard that Norma had passed, my first thought was that I had lost not only a close friend, but a sister. Even though, due to the complications of life during the last few years, we ended up seeing each other less, we never forgot each other. But who could ever forget that incredible smile, which exuded warmth and love and gratitude, always gratitude, for every small favor? I will never forget the last time she came to my house for a little celebration for her birthday. Before she left, she stood up in all her height and with gentle seriousness she told us–her friends: “I want to say this: I know I didn’t deserve such a beautiful celebration but I want you to know that I enjoyed every minute of it.”

After graduating from high school in Brooklyn, Norma went to college in upstate New York. When she returned to Manhattan after graduation, she taught high school, and acted in several theater productions. She particularly enjoyed acting in Chekov’s Three Sisters. The photos of the drama show her as a beautiful young woman.

During her New York years she became part of the music scene. A poet and lyricist, she wrote at least a dozen songs, some by herself and some in collaboration with Norma Tanega. Some of them are still being performed. One of the best known is “Walkin’ My Cat Named Dog,” which was based on a true story: The two Normas shared an apartment, and were not allowed to have a dog. So they adopted a cat, called him Dog, and wrote a song about him.

For another of her songs, Norma was awarded a BMI (Broadcast Music Incorporated) crystal. The song was “You’re Dead,” and it is the theme song for the comedy / horror TV series “What We Do in the Shadows”.

After many years in New York, Norma moved to Los Angeles and worked in an administrative position at Pepperdine University. Several years later she met Bill Spring, and he became the love of her life. She followed him to Santa Barbara, where they shared their lives until his sudden and tragic death in a motorcycle accident. Years later, Norma shared with me that during the car trip to a hospital specialized in head traumas, she had felt Bill’s presence inside the car with her, even though he was in the hospital miles away.

Norma was active in many groups and political organizations. She worked for the wellbeing of the most underprivileged in our community, especially homeless individuals and groups. She loved domestic animals, especially cats, and rescued many. She also rescued many humans. A young Chinese woman, whom she fortuitously met at a local coffee shop comes to mind. After a pleasant chat, the young woman asked Norma if she would play the role of grandma for her. Norma accepted and she became a grandma during all the years the young woman spent in Santa Barbara, and stayed in touch with her after she left.

The social and financial disparities of our society affected her deeply–to the point that she often gave up her own modest income to help those who had even less. No questions were ever asked.

For several years we both belonged to a group called “The Soul Community.” Norma was the peacemaker for the often belligerent group. Her firm kindness helped break several fights.

Later on, after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Norma moved to the Garden Court Independent Senior community, where she immediately befriended a resident, Lorna Culp, who was a former nurse. They quickly became close friends, and stayed that way until Norma died. Mimi Sonju, Seattle WA./Manhattan, NYC was a dear friend and remained in touch.

Maria Marotti (author of this obit), Thomas Robinson and Caterina Freeman were Norma’s long time Santa Barbara friends. The Center for Successful Aging (Suzanne Sears – Peer Counselor) was very supportive for Norma. Susan Dickinson, Age in Place Santa Barbara, advocated for Norma in her last few years. Norma appreciated all who cared for her. We all will miss Norma’s wonderful sense of humor and human spirit. We will celebrate Norma in the courtyard at Garden Court 1116 De la Vina St, Thursday November 16th at 11am. Questions to Susan@ageinplacesb.com. To leave an online memory or condolence please visit www.wrhsb.com. Arrangements entrusted to Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapels.