Norma E. Bennett, age 96, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 4th.at Parker at Somerset Long Term Care Facility.
Born in Elizabeth, Norma was the daughter of predeceased Margaret (Boyle) and George Mills, and her predeceased sisters: Sr. Marita Mills and Helene Ford. She attended St. Patrick's Grammar and High Schools where she played on the basketball team. After graduating, Norma attended business school in Newark where she learned accounting skills and using the comptometer, which she could operate with speed and accuracy. She would employ these skills while working at MacMillan Bloedel, formerly Hankins Container Company in Union.
Norma delighted in all types of music and dancing, both on the dance floor, at home and on roller skates. It was at a roller rink that she met the love of her life, George W. Bennett, who later became her husband. They shared a wonderful life of thirty-nine years together, until his passing in 1986. Most of these years were spent living in Green Brook, where they had two daughters, Marita Fritzinger(Bob) and Elaine Riley (Bruce, previously deceased). Several grandchildren were also born during this time: Kerri Brenscons(Chris), Kevin Fritzinger, Christopher Riley and later, Kylie Domin(Pat). Norma would enjoy spending time at the shore house with all these family members, where countless memories were built. Among her favorite activities,Norma loved to travel. Whether it was a beach destination in the US or Caribbean islands, sight-seeing in Europe or South America, day trips to Atlantic City with her sister-in- law, Mimi Riccio, she was ready for the journey.
Following the death of her husband, Norma retired to Holiday City in Toms River. She resided here until the age of ninety-one. While living in Holiday City, Norma joined many clubs. She was on the Bocce team, Shuffleboard team and was an officer in the Women’s Club in her community. With new friends, she joined line dancing and other activity groups. Also, during these years, Norma met Joseph Sullivan with whom she shared eighteen years of companionship until his passing.
Beyond her immediate family, Norma will be missed by her great-grandchildren: Zach, Kendall, Luke, Annalise and Cameron and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to St. Jude Childrens’ Research Hospital at stjude.org.
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