Nora Lee Alice (Moody) Walnoha, age 83, of Sharon Township, passed away on Thursday, March 23rd, 2023 at Mercy Hospital, Janesville, Wisconsin. She was born in Vancouver, Washington on January 13th, 1940 to Linde Lee (Priem) Moody and Oliver Lee Moody. At a young age Nora and her mother returned to Wisconsin to be near family as Linde taught in one room and country schools throughout the northern part of the state. Later Linde secured a teaching position in Orland Park, Illinois. It was there Nora met her future husband, Theodore Vincent Walnoha, while roller skating. She graduated from Carl Sandburg High School and went on to attend the National College of Education in Evanston, Illinois and later, UW-Whitewater. She started teaching in the Illinois Public School System upon graduation. Vince and Nora were married December 26th 1959. Their first home was the summer kitchen of a large farmhouse they rented for $25 per month. Daughter Melissa Anne arrived August 5th 1961. Nora, Vince and Melissa desired a more rural life and in the early 70's moved to Sharon, Wisconsin. Nora loved the historic homes of the community and worked to start the Sharon Historical Society. Nora and Vince were able to purchase a small farm and a one room schoolhouse. Red School became a passion project and is intact as a museum today. Nora was always loving and supportive of her daughters activities in 4-H, working with animals, training horses and ponies, and attending school music events. She was a loving and supportive parent. Vince experienced extensive and disabling medical conditions throughout their 50 year marriage and Nora was a strong advocate and loving wife through it all. Vince passed away in 2010. Nora was dedicated to the well being of children, first as a teacher, and then working 28 years for Walworth County Department of Human Services for 28 years in Child Protective Services. Retirement gave her more opportunities to connect with friends, enjoy her dog, MerryBelle, and her ponies, Sugar and Sunshine. Nora felt blessed that she lived a rich 12 years after her initial cancer diagnosis. She will be greatly missed by so many and richly blessed in their thoughts.
Nora is survived by her daughter Melissa of Janesville, Wisconsin, 2 sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews and her cousins.
Nora is preceded in death by her mother, Linde Moody and her husband, Vince.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the Red School in Sharon Township. Memorials can be made to the Lakeland Animal Shelter, Elkhorn, Wisconsin or St. Judes.
Thank you and appreciation to the many fine caregivers through Mercy Health System, Cardinal Care, and to the neighbors and friends that made it possible for Nora to stay on the farm during her last years.
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