Norma Emelda Theresa De Abreu, née Jerome, was born on the 4th day of May 1929 in Georgetown, British Guiana. Her sunset was at age 95 in East Haven, Connecticut. She was a beautiful, honorable, and very kind woman both on the inside and outside.

Norma, a mother of five, known with affection to her children as Mommy, to her grandchildren as Granny or Grandma Norma, to countless others as Auntie Normie, and Miss Normie (or Miss Norma) was loved, adored, and admired by all who met and knew her.

Humanity & Joy :
Norma loved life and was a woman of unwavering faith, whose spirituality was rooted in Catholicism, and her devotion was obvious even as she continued to age with grace. Drawing on many life lessons, she was always willing to share her wisdom. She was a good counsel to her children, family, and friends, was often sought after for her advice by many – and she willingly gave it. Almost to the day of her passing, she was a source of comfort for many and always shared the message of God's grace. Her generosity was apparent as she treated everyone with respect. Her family and countless friends describe her as a person with an infectious smile who was very easy to converse with.

Norma's home was a welcoming place to all. She was a very hands-on grandmother, who was always ready to lend a helping hand. Easy to make friends, her personality brought warmth and joy to everyone she encountered. She always had an anecdote to share, enjoyed engaging in witty banter and had an infectious laugh that no one could resist to join in.

One of the favorite activities of this loving, kind, hardworking woman included international travel. Some of the places that Norma visited included Suriname and Curaçao, numerous Caribbean Islands, England, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal and France.

Work & Homeland :
Norma was born under British colonial rule in a place and time when many women in her community worked in their homes, nurturing their children and other family members. As a seamstress by profession, she designed and made beautiful dresses for both children and adults, including exotic wedding dresses and gowns for the entire bridal party. She also had excellent culinary skills and was often contracted for making wedding cakes, and pastries in the tradition of Guyanese cuisine.

Immigration and Relocation :
Norma immigrated to Canada from Guyana in the late 1970's, where she worked in homecare as a companion and aide. Later in the mid 1980's she immigrated to the United States and settled in New York. The 1990's brought Norma to the Houston, Texas area where her son Monty and family also resided. She played an invaluable role in the formative years of her five grandchildren in Texas. Norma eventually settled in Connecticut, where she resided in New Haven County for over three decades until the time of her passing.

Norma's passing will be mourned deeply by everyone who knew her. Norma was predeceased by her brothers, Alan and Joshua, and sisters Claudiana and Ivis. She is survived by her sister, Agnes Conway, her five children, Hensley De Abreu, Claire Bobb-Semple (and spouse Michael), Roxann Callender (and spouse Cheri), Edwin Montague Callender (and spouse Andrea), and Trevor Callender; 13 grandchildren, Carla Jane, Stephen, Eion, Kester, Alec, Tavis, Aisha, Michelle, Chishinga, Rashida, Sharifa, Jelani, and Neema; over 9 great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law Amelia Jerome; nieces Adelina, Glenis, and Lorraine; and nephews Leland and Christopher, along with numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

Norma's legacy is reflected in her offspring, and her grandchildren. She taught her children and grandchildren to have love, kindness, and respect for each other and everyone they encounter in life.

"God Bless You" and "Go with God" are the words that Norma shared with many and would want shared with you all.

Friends are invited to visit with Norma's family on Thursday, July 18th from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. in St. Paul VI Parish-St. Rita Church, 1620 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, followed by her burial in St. Mary's Cemetery.