Norma Jehring (Jehring) Van Amberg

UPDATE 9/6/24:  The family will receive friends at Sauls Funeral Home (Bluffton, SC) from 10:00 AM - Noon on Sunday, September 29, 2024 .

Norma Jehring Van Amberg

March 13, 1942 – July 28, 2024

Born March 13, 1942 in Jersey City, NJ to Harold Arthur Jehring and Sabrina Irene Zyskowski, Norma attended Stevens Academy in Hoboken, NJ and Douglas College, in New Brunswick, NJ where she graduated with her B.S. in Health and Physical Education.

During her college summer breaks Norma wrote for various publications like – The Jersey Journal and The Newark News to name a few and throughout her life, continued with her love of writing, and being active.

After moving to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina in 1984, Norma worked as a Staff Writer for The Island Packet for 12 years, while also freelance editing and covering stories for a regional magazine, Coastal Sport and Wellness. Norma was a long-standing and cherished member of The Island Writers Network (IWN) and contributing Editor of two (2) Lowcountry Anthologies – Unpacked and Staying and Hilton Headings. Norma, researched extensively, delving into topics such as mental health, collaborated with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Lowcountry and wrote an in-depth piece, titled, Balancing on the Brink – Support for families navigating mental illness.

Norma’s creative side included her love of music and playing the violin. As one of the founding members of, St. Francis by the Sea (HHI) she played violin with their folk group for many years, and also played violin with the Hilton Head Community Orchestra.

Moving to Bluffton, SC in 2001, Norma continued following her passions and conviction of giving back to her community and volunteered her time supporting local environmental groups, such as the Sierra Club; Friends of the River in addition to being the former President of the Bluffton – Okatie Women in Business, a member of the Hilton Head Symphony League and became a member of St. Gregory the Great church.

Her faith, community involvement, sports, and staying active remained a strong center with Norma. She was also known by many of her friends as an - Adventurer and through her membership with Lowcountry Adventures made meaningful friendships with others who, like Norma loved biking, hiking, kayaking and swimming in the sea. At 80 years of age, Norma loved paddling in The May River.

Norma is survived by three sons, Matthew, Eric, and David Van Amberg, daughter-in-law, Lori and four grandsons and one granddaughter.

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donations to NAMI Lowcountry.

The family is planning a Celebration of Life in the Fall. Date to be announced.