Norma Colley
June 27 1927 - August 22 2024
Visitation :
Saint Timothy Catholic Church
Saturday October 12th 2024 9:30-10:30 am
1088 Thomas Lane
Columbus Ohio 43220
Services:
Funeral Mass
Saturday October 12th 2024 at 10:30 am
St Timothy Catholic Church
1088 Thomas Ln
Columbus
, Ohio 43220
A luncheon will immediately follow the Mass at the Church
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Obituary
Norma L. Colley, 97, passed away on August 22, 2024, in her home at Westerville Senior Living (WSL) in Westerville, OH. Her ever-present smile, free-flowing kind words, polished manners, and dry wit made her a favorite among WSL staff and her fellow residents, and she sincerely appreciated their kindness to her. Norma was guided by her Catholic faith, devotion to her family, and pride in her Italian heritage. She was a fixture at Our Lady of Victory School and church, St. John the Baptist church, and the annual Italian Festival for many years. Norma was born at home to James (Giacomo) and Lena (Angelina) Garbin on Westwood Ave in Grandview Heights, OH, in the heart of the Italian-American community. She attended Our Lady of Victory School, Grandview Junior High, and Sacred Heart Catholic High School for Girls. She lived in Grandview Heights most of her life before moving to Upper Arlington. She spent her final 13 years at the Forum at Knightsbridge and Westerville Senior Living. Norma’s dedication and sharp business acumen were evident in the various roles she held throughout her life. She first met her future husband, Nick Colley (Colatruglio) while they were both employed at Massinelli’s Grocery. They married in October of 1949, which proved a loving union that endured nearly 63 years until Nick’s passing in September 2012. Norma was preceded in death by her parents, James and Lena Garbin; sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Gino Zucco of Maple Heights, OH; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Pat and Elena Colatruglio, and Grace and Nick Pavisich, and granddaughter Jessica Murphy (née Colley). Norma is survived by son, Dan (Lynne) Colley of Marietta, GA; son, David (Julie) Colley of Westerville, OH; daughter, Diana Colley of Columbus, OH; grandchildren Erin (Jonathan) Seitz of Peachtree Corners, GA; Lauren (Carter) Sowers of Asheville, NC, Ben (Melanie) Colley of Roswell, GA, and Ryan (Jenna) Colley of Washington, D.C.; step-grandchildren, Jenifer King of Brussels, Belgium, Justin (Jaclyn) Gafford of New Albany, OH. Norma treasured her great-grand-children, James and Xander Dallas of Columbus, OH; Jack Seitz of Peachtree Corners, GA; Evie and Wyatt Sowers of Asheville, NC; Nick, Sarah Kate, and Annie Colley of Roswell, GA; and Enrico Colley of Washington, D.C., and great grand step-children, Layla and Luke Seitz of Peachtree Corners, GA, Quentin and Adeleine King of Brussels, Belgium, and Grant and Claire Gafford of New Albany, OH. Norma wholeheartedly adored her extended family, including many nieces and nephews from the Colatrugio and Zucco branches of the family tree. She embraced friends with such warmth and love that they considered her family in every sense of the word. Norma’s family offers their heartfelt gratitude to the remarkable Dr. Joanna Failor, whose unwavering kindness and compassionate care were a true blessing throughout the years. The family will receive friends at St. Timothy Catholic Church, 1088 Thomas Lane, Columbus, OH, 43220, on Saturday, October 12, beginning at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Memorial Mass at 10:30 am. All are invited to a luncheon at the church immediately following the mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Research Hospital or the Epilepsy Alliance of Greater Cincinnati and Columbus see links below. Norma cherished the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, embodying its call to be an instrument of peace throughout her 97 years. Her life was a testament to bringing faith where there was doubt, hope where there was despair, and light where there was darkness. As we celebrate her legacy, we are forever grateful for the countless ways she touched our lives with her unwavering kindness, steadfast faith, and boundless love. Her memory will continue to inspire us to carry forward the grace and compassion she so freely gave.
Contributions
Contributions may be directed to any of the followingCondolences for Norma Colley
From : Therese Galilei Roush
To : Diana and Brothers
Date: August 24th 2024
Don and I remember your mom and Dad fondly. Your mom was such a sweet lady and my mom loved her so and appreciated all she and your dad did for her after my father passed. I will keep you all in prayer as you go threw this time of grieving. Diana, I will try and touch base with you sometime within the next few weeks. Love you girl.
From : Landa Masdea Brunetto
To : Diana and David
Date: August 25th 2024
We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of your very sweet mom. Norma, was so gentle and supportive in her interactions with so many. Also her dedication to the church's of St. Timothy and St. John the Baptist and especially her years as "First Lady "of. The Columbus Italian Festival. We appreciate all she did for the beautiful Italian festival when it was just getting started in the early 1980s. Our prayers are for the ease of sorrow in going on without your tremendous mother.
From : Wezi Masdea
To : Diana and Family
Date: August 26th 2024
Dear Diana,
My heart is definitely broken to hear of the loss of your darling Mother!! She was a real sweetheart. Bruno and I thought the world of Nick and Norma!!!! I am just so deeply saddened. My love and prayers are with you. I will miss her dearly.
From : Patty Conie Lofquist Sheets and Family
To : Diana and Family
Date: August 26th 2024
Diana and Family,
My family, and I, are so sad to hear of Norma's passing. Your parents were everyone's friends and family, and they always made everyone feel welcomed! They did not know a stranger. I met your parents at St. Johns in 1988. One Sunday in 1989 your mom came up to me, as I was enjoying my coffee and conversation after Mass with friends. She told me she had a "nice young man with blonde hair and blue eyes that spoke fluent Italian she wanted to introduce me to". Well, thanks to match maker Norma, Scott and I were married at St. Johns June 1990, and your mother was so proud of herself! Over the last 30+ years your mom, and your dad, had been a big part of my family. Norma was the angel that came to stay with Scott the day God was calling him home. She unselfishly gave up her time, to give me an hour to leave my husband at the nursing home, so I could watch my 5th grader do a big school presentation that day.
Your dad and mom held that big ALS dinner/dance fund raiser, where your dad conducted the band at the Valley Dale. You have know idea how much that meant to us! I will miss seeing your mommy, knowing the history we have shared together. I am a better person because of your parents, for all the wonderful friends they brought into my life. Norma use to babysit my Aunt Carol when she was a toddler during those Grandview days of the 30's. Norma was also best friends with my cousin, Tete. Small world but part of God's big plan.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God". Matthew 5:8
From : Rebecca Wolfe
To : Family of Norma Colley
Date: August 28th 2024
I worked with Norma at the Tri-Village Trading Post and appreciated her so much. She was such a dear woman full of grace and life. We had good times together.
From : Vickie Morris
To : David
Date: August 28th 2024
So hard to lose the last of your parents. You 'had' her for a long time! May our Good Lord soothe your broken heart and hold you in His hands during your grief.
From : Alfonso and Edilia Falasca
To : Dan and Dave and Diana
Date: August 28th 2024
We so sorry, for the loss of mom. She was a wonderful woman and friend, may her soul rest in peace.
From : Jenny Scranton
To : David and family
Date: August 29th 2024
Your mother was a beautiful, gracious lady. I worked with her at Tri-Village News and in later years I would see her at the Trading Post. She was always kind, with a welcoming smile, and she would ask about my mother. I know she will be missed and I am truly sorry for your loss.
From : Susan Gualtieri
To : Dan David and Diana
Date: August 29th 2024
Nick and Norma were like family to us. Our family friendships go back to childhood as I remember fondly your Nonno and Nonna, Jim and Lena. We spent many a holiday and dinners together at my parents home and where there was Norma, there was fun. Especially one Christmas Eve celebration in particular. She will be missed but know your parents being reunited is a long awaited reunion. What a wonderful long life Norma lived.
From : Tom Miller
To : Dan David and Diana
Date: September 13th 2024
I just learned today about Norma's death. I am so sorry to hear of it. I see the funeral mass was yesterday. I am sorry I missed it but as it happens, I attended a Mass in North Lewisburg yesterday and prayed for her since I knew she was not well.