Norma Jean Jaxel

Norma Jean (Rizzonelli) Jaxel passed away on October 20, 2026, in Owings, Maryland, at the age of 88. A devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, accomplished photographer, and lifelong lover of nature, Norma lived a full and adventurous life filled with family, friendship, travel, and a curiosity about the world around her.

Born on August 26, 1938, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Norma Jean was a first-generation American whose parents had immigrated from Italy. She grew up on Locust Street in a neighborhood that would later become part of the Duquesne University campus. Her father worked as a waiter at the prestigious Webster Hall Hotel, while her mother worked at Mercy Hospital. Growing up near Duquesne University, Norma Jean became acquainted with musicians who boarded at her house on Locust St., who played jazz records for her, resulting in her lifelong appreciation for jazz music. As a teenager, she worked as a waitress in a neighborhood restaurant before beginning her career at Pittsburgh Plate Glass.

Norma Jean met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Jaxel, through his younger sister Carol, who was her high school classmate and friend. Norma Jean frequently joined Carol for lunch at the Jaxel family home, where she first became acquainted with Robert. Their relationship grew as Norma Jean helped Robert type his college papers while he pursued his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. They began dating in 1956 and were married in 1960, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love, shared interests, and adventure.

That same year, Robert moved to Washington, D.C., to begin his federal career with the U.S. Census Bureau, while Norma Jean remained in Pittsburgh. In June 1961, she gave birth to their only son, Robert Jeffrey Jaxel, whom they affectionately called Jeff. Later that year, Norma Jean and Jeff joined Robert in Washington, where the young family initially lived in a small apartment in Anacostia before purchasing their first home on T Street in Southeast Washington.

In the early 1960s, Norma Jean began her own federal career as a secretary with the National Environmental Satellite Service, an organization that would eventually become part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Through dedication and hard work, she advanced to become an Executive Administrative Assistant, retiring after 30 years of federal civil service.

In 1967, Norma Jean and Robert purchased a home on Braymer Avenue in Camp Springs, Maryland, where they raised Jeff and welcomed Robert’s mother, Alice, affectionately known as Pidge, and his younger sister Lynn into their household. Their home became the center of family life and the starting point for countless adventures.

One of Norma’s greatest passions began in the late 1960s when Robert took a geology course that sparked the family’s interest in rocks and minerals. What started as a hobby soon grew into a lifelong pursuit. Norma Jean and Jeff attended lapidary classes at the Treasure of the Pirates rock shop in Bethesda, Maryland, where they learned to cut and polish gemstones. Norma Jean and Robert soon acquired their own lapidary equipment and became active members of the Gem, Lapidary and Mineral Society of Prince George’s County.

Their interests eventually expanded from gemstones to mineral specimens, leading them to join the Baltimore Mineral Society and discover the fascinating world of micro mount minerals, tiny crystals and specimens best appreciated through a microscope. Together, Norma Jean, Robert and Jeff traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe, including Greece and the United Kingdom, visiting historic mines and mineral localities and building friendships with fellow collectors. They donated many collected specimens, especially from Laurion, Greece, to the Smithsonian Institution mineral collection. Identification of previously unknown specimens by Smithsonian mineralogists resulted in the discovery of new to science minerals, named by her as Thorikosite (location) and Mammothite.

Norma Jean developed an exceptional talent for photographing minerals and crystals through a microscope, capturing intricate details and colors that were often invisible to the naked eye. Her mineral photographs were published in The Mineralogical Record, a respected international mineralogical publication.

She also became fascinated with photographing individual snowflake crystals; they donated many specimens to the development of a photographic presentation that she shared with students at local high schools and junior colleges.

Photography became one of the defining interests of Norma’s life. Rarely without her camera, she documented thousands of moments from family gatherings, vacations, mineral-collecting expeditions, and visits to historic places. She had a special appreciation for the beauty of the natural world, particularly flowers and butterflies. Each spring, she looked forward to visiting local gardens and parks, where she spent countless hours photographing the colorful blossoms and wildlife.

Norma also loved the performing arts. She and Robert frequently enjoyed dinner theater performances during the 1960s and 1970s, and she treasured outings to the Kennedy Center with Jeff and his wife, Colleen. Music, theater, and the arts remained important sources of enjoyment throughout her life.

Her kindness extended to animals of every kind. Norma had a gentle and compassionate nature and could scarcely bring herself to harm even the smallest creature. She frequently fed stray neighborhood cats and dogs, and over the years, several fortunate cats found a permanent and loving home with her.

Above all, Norma will be remembered for her love of family, her kindness toward others, and her enthusiasm for discovering and preserving the beauty of the world around her. Whether examining a tiny crystal under a microscope, photographing a butterfly in a garden, exploring an old mining district, or simply enjoying time with her family, she found happiness in life’s many wonders.

Norma is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Robert Jaxel; her son, Jeff Jaxel, and his wife, Colleen; her sister, Lee Misour; her six grandchildren, Amber Jaxel, Lindsey Jaxel, Catherine Jaxel, Samuel Jaxel, Clifton Carl Raley Bridegum (Melissa Bridegum), and Drew MacDonald Raley McClair (Miquela); and her two great-grandchildren, Clifton Colt Raley Bridegum and Cora Lee Bridegum.

She leaves behind a lifetime of treasured memories, thousands of photographs, and a legacy of curiosity, compassion, and love that will continue through those who knew her.

Viewing, Memorial Service, and Family Gathering

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Norma’s life on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Rausch Funeral Home, located at 8325 Mt. Harmony Lane, Owings, Maryland 20736.

Viewing: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Memorial Service: 6:00 p.m., immediately following the viewing.

Following the service, family and friends are invited to a small gathering at the home of Jeff and Colleen Jaxel, 500 Sweetbriar Lane, Huntingtown, Maryland 20639, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Norma lived a remarkable life, and she will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.