Mrs Norman began volunteering with the Guernsey Swimming Club in the mid-1970s, when it was based at La Vallette and short on teachers.
For nearly 50 years, she has served on the GSC committee as a qualified swimming teacher, and was its president between 1994 and 2012.
Individuals she has coached have gone on to compete in the Island Games, Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games. Her commitment to the sport and water safety was recognised last month, when she was awarded a British Empire Medal in the King’s Birthday Honours.
‘I had the privilege to be there when it was awarded,’ said Guernsey Swimming Club president Chris Butt.
‘Jo had been instrumental in further developing the club from its roots at La Vallette.
‘I’ve been privileged to work alongside Jo for the last 30-plus years and in all that time, she’s always been positive and supportive in everything that she has done for the club.
'For me, she was a font of knowledge dating back to before I was involved with the club.
‘Under her direction as president, the club continued to flourish, and she continued to assist me when I took over the presidency – a tough act to follow.’
Mrs Norman had frequently been nominated for a Guernsey Press Pride of Guernsey Award, and won the Sports Volunteer of the Year award in 2024.
Her nominator at the time, Anne Cann, described Mrs Norman as an essential and well-known part of the club.
She coached Mrs Cann’s 16-year-old son, Sam, who is currently at the Swim England Nationals Summer Meet, having just won gold at the Nationals.
‘I’ve known Jo for all my swimming life and it was sad news to learn she died,’ he said.
‘She taught me when I was a young swimmer finding my confidence in the water and always encouraged and congratulated me throughout my swimming achievements. I recently won an England National swimming title and I’m sure she would’ve been proud of me for bringing this title to the GSC.
‘My thoughts are with her family in these sad times, but I am sure the GSC will continue to succeed to make her proud.’
Mrs Norman led the Christmas Day Polar Bear Swim every year and was instrumental in establishing the Open Castle Charity Swim.
Mr Butt said many people would miss seeing her ‘smiley face’ at both of this year’s events.
‘I personally will miss her guidance and countenance, as I’m sure very many others will too,’ he said.
‘She was inspirational to our swimmers, teachers, and coaches, and could always see the potential in everyone she came into contact with.
‘She was a constant presence, whether teaching at club training sessions, officiating at galas, or helping run the administrative tasks for the club.’
She also volunteered to help with swimming at Hautes Capelles School over the years.
‘Many islanders have been touched by Jo’s kindness and her unwavering willingness to enable everyone to enjoy their swimming,’ Mr Butt added.
Alison Frankland, president of the Beau Sejour Barracudas club, also paid tribute.
‘It was very sad to receive the news of our swimming colleague Jo,’ she said.
‘Jo has dedicated most of her life to swimming and in particular to the Guernsey Swimming Club. There has been no one more passionate about our sport than Jo and the award of the BEM was a fantastic tribute towards that passion.
‘She will be sadly missed by all who knew and worked with her. On behalf of the Beau Sejour Barracudas Swimming Club we offer our sincere condolences to her family and friends.’
Barracudas’ senior coach Sara Parfitt, in Glasgow with the Commonwealth Games squad, said it seemed like ‘only the other day’ that Mrs Norman was on poolside officiating.
‘I’ve known Jo for many years,’ she said.
‘I used to see her down on the beach with her grandchildren, who are all now also a part of the GSC.
‘She gave her life to swimming, and it’s lovely that she was able to collect her BEM award, and receive the recognition she so deserves.’
On collecting her BEM in June, Mrs Norman told the Guernsey Press she was ‘very surprised’ by the ‘wonderful’ recognition and said she owed the honour to the club that she loved.
‘If it wasn’t for Guernsey Swimming Club putting me forward, I wouldn’t be here today,’ she said.
‘From the committee, directors and everybody else, it’s a wonderful family club.
‘I’ve taught everyone from the babies right up to 80-year-olds. Now I sit on the side and give little bits of information.
‘I don’t get in the water much these days but I’m still there twice a week.
‘I love the camaraderie and being with the children. When you volunteer you do it because you want to and I’ve always enjoyed that.’