Norma Greene was born in Northeastern Missouri on June 19, 1932, to Noverne Josephine (Harvey) and Jesse Wayne Billups. She was the oldest of four, her sister Etta (Marshall) and twin brothers Dick and Bob following soon after. Her family made their way out west, as many did in the Great Depression, ending in Pasadena. She married Carl Milldrum, had two wonderful sons and divorced. The remainder of her life was spent in Los Angeles. She spent the next 27 years working for Mattel, working on the Barbies that shaped American culture. She retired in 1988 where she worked as a documentarian most of her career. That same year she met and married the love of her life, Gary Thomas Greene. They were always on the move, with her camera at the ready. They traveled the world visiting museums, cultural sites and dining on fine local cuisine. A special dinner upon their return based on their trip was presented to their broad social circle. They loved each other to the end with Norma dying within three months of Gary's death.

Norma was a creative and intelligent woman. She was involved deeply in the Costume Society of America and local art organizations and supported many cultural organizations and local artists. She was a collector of facts and tidbits about art and culture, and loved creating unique wearable art. She will be remembered most recently as a doting and caring grandmother, one who held on to her children’s and grandchildren’s art for decades. Norma and Gary were lovers of gardens, and animals. There were always Australian Shepherds and cats that roamed their slice of paradise that overlooked the Port of Los Angeles. Their home was a sanctuary for all that knew the gate code.

She is survived by her children, Gary Milldrum (Juli Hathaway) and Dane Milldrum (Julie); step-children, Chris Greene (Louis Desser), Heidi Wenrick (Jon), Brian Greene (Laura), and Kai Greene; grandchildren Graham Milldrum (Felisha Johnson), Alexander Milldrum (Emily), Claire Milldrum (Jon Peterson); step-grandchildren Lee Tacliad (Francisco), Allu Greene (Sara Odenthal), Heather Greene, and Claire Desser; two great grandchildren, Quinn and Bailey Milldrum; two step-grandchildren, Leighton and Ada Tacliad; sister-in-law Ann Billups; nephews Michael Billups (Amy), Jimmy Billup (Rene).

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In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to the Costume Society of America.