Norma Smith is the fourth of six children born to Chapman and Alice Creighton of Pensacola, Florida. She married Stephen Smith in 1971, the young Marine pilot who captured her heart and was the love of her life for 34 years. Stephen continued to serve in the USMCR and spent more than 20 years serving as an Emergency Medical Services pilot. Steve and Norma moved to Washington in 1978. In 1990, they built their home on Whidbey Island where they raised their four children, sharing their home and hearts with many. On September 29, 2005, Norma’s husband Steve and two nurses (and friends) died in the line of duty during an EMS helicopter flight. Steve was a loving husband and devoted dad whose life touched many. His deep and personal faith in God encouraged and inspired those who knew him.
Norma’s family has grown to include three terrific in-law children, and seven precious grandchildren. Her family home is a focal point for regular gatherings of family and friends and the ever-evolving menagerie of animals that has been a constant in her family’s life.
Since January 2008, Norma has represented the people of the 10th District, which includes all of Island County, and parts of Skagit and Snohomish Counties. She has effectively worked with her colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make significant contributions to sound public policy for all Washingtonians and to serve the people of the 10th District with integrity.
Her professional and life experiences provide a solid foundation for her commitment to effective service. For six years, Norma worked as Special Assistant to Congressman Jack Metcalf covering a broad range of issues and served as legislative liaison for military commands and veterans’ organizations.
She later worked in the private and non-profit sectors providing communications expertise and operations management. Her private sector experience informs her leadership on economic development policy and her efforts to improve Washington’s climate for employers and employees. Norma is active in her community and church, having served on the South Whidbey School Board, and mentoring young adults.