Mayor John Stephens issues statement on passing of former mayor Norma Hertzog

It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of the City’s first woman Council Member and Mayor Norma Hertzog.

Norma passed away on Monday Aug. 21 at the age of 94 at her home in New Jersey.

In July of 2021, I was honored to participate in the unveiling of the Norma Hertzog Community Center, which along with the remodeled Lions Park Playground (Airplane Park), marked the final chapter on a $36.5 million, world-class campus that is now the jewel of Costa Mesa’s Westside. Through the Norma Hertzog Community Center, Norma will be remembered in Costa Mesa for generations to come.

Norma had provided a video message for all of us that day and personally appeared via Zoom from New Jersey to greet the crowd gathered for the opening. It was a blessing to see her on screen. 

Norma was the owner of two local preschools, Mesa Verde and West Bay, when she ran for City Council and won in 1974 with the campaign slogan “A different point of view.” She was officially appointed Mayor by her colleagues in 1977 and served two terms, ending her council service in 1986.

Besides being the first woman Mayor, Norma is credited with spearheading the move to bring South Coast Repertory theater to Costa Mesa, and the Segerstrom Performing Arts Center soon followed. Norma also received the Mayor’s Award in 2014.

We send our deepest condolences to her family and we are all going to miss her dedication to public service, her great smile and sense of humor. Thank you, Norma, for all you did for Costa Mesa and may you rest in peace.

Norma and her first husband Roger Hertzog had four children, John Hertzog and Sue Ward, predeceased, Elaine Burkert (Ron) who live in Dumont, NJ, Carolyn Fetters (Paul) who live in Palm Desert. She is also survided by six grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and five step grandchildren and 13 step great grandchildren from her marriage to Charley Wagner.

Services will be planned in her home state of New Jersey.