Norma Matheson

Norma Louise Matheson (September 13, 1929 – July 28, 2019) was an American politician, political strategist, activist, and conservationist who served as the first lady of Utah from 1977 to 1985 as wife of Governor Scott M. Matheson. She was considered a pioneer for women in Utah politics and the matriarch of the Matheson political family. Her prominent role in state politics earned her the nickname "godmother" of the Utah Democratic Party.

Biography Early life Matheson was born Norma Louise Warenski in Nephi, Utah, on September 13, 1929, to Leo Carl and Ardella (Sabine) Warenski. Her father was a rural doctor. As a child, she moved with her parents to Philadelphia and San Francisco so her father could attend medical school to become an obstetrician. The couple moved back to Utah and constructed a home next to her parents house. They had four children: Scott Matheson Jr. (born 1953), Lu Matheson, Jim Matheson (born 1960), and Tom Matheson. She visited every senior center in Utah to call attention to issues affecting the state's senior citizen population. Leavitt, Matheson, Miller, and their organization successfully lobbied for a new law allowing open primary elections in Utah. Norma Matheson was buried next to her husband in Parowan City Cemetery in Parowan, Utah. Her memorial service was held at This Is The Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City on September 1, 2019.