When Norma came to Bellmore UMC, my father was Chairperson of the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee.  I was in seminary at that time & Norma helped Dad feel more peaceful about my call to ministry.  Norma & I became good friends.  She mentored me & invited me to assist her at services during the summer months when I was home.  Norma also invited me to go with her on a Methodist tour to Wesley's Chapel in London during the renovation period in 1977.  What a trip!  We had such fun!  In 1981 she co-officiated at my wedding in New Jersey.

As a pastor, Norma brought her congregations together & nurtured their faith.  For those who were hesitant about a woman pastor, Norma just did her job & they came around when they saw how competant she was.  She had a great sense of humor & brought smiles & laughter into her services.  How can we forget those early "non-traditional" worship songs that enlivened Sunday mornings?  Her love for her family & her congregations will stay with us.  I'm blessed to have known Norma & grateful for her influence on my professional development.