Norma Jean Hurlbut

Norma J. Hurlbut, 77, of Rome, NY, passed away peacefully at Rome Health on Sunday, August 8, 2021. One of four children of Clarence and Dorothy Ringwald Hurlbut, Norma was born in Rome on Jan. 30, 1944. Having been brought up in the West Branch and Stokes Hill area, Norma first attended the one room schoolhouse in West Branch. She went on to graduate from West Leyden Central School with the class of 1962. After graduation she attended the Beaux Arts School of Beauty in Syracuse, NY. For several years Norma worked as a hairdresser in the Rome area. Later she went to work at Marcy State Psychiatric Hospital. When this hospital closed she transferred to Utica State Psychiatric Hospital. She finished her last five years working in Rome as a mental therapy hygiene aide, retiring in 1998. Norma was usually busy with one craft or another. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and making kitchen towels. Many hours were spent making jams, pickles and carmel corn. Putting together jig-saw puzzles was another of Norma's favorite pastimes. She also spent hours holding and assisting with garage sales. Norma was a lifetime member of the Ava Hilltop United Methodist Church and the Ava Ladies Aide Society. From chief cook for the Oyster Stew Dinner to organizing the sale of Rada knives, she was involved in many different activities and served on numerous committees. Additionally, Norma found great joy serving her church community through her greeting card ministry; sending prayer, love and encouragement. Norma is survived by her children, Gary Hurlbut of New Port Richey, FL and Dawn (Robert) Weber of Saratoga Springs, NY; a special niece, Dawn Davis of Woodbridge, VA; three grandchildren, Kate, Christina and Matthew Thompson; a brother, Russell (Candy) Hurlbut; two sisters, Carol (Walt) Berwick and Gail Miller; and many other nieces, nephews, family members and friends. She was predeceased by her parents Clarence and Dorothy R. Hurlbut. Norma was fortunate to have many cousins and friends that were influential in her life. Keith and Nancy King, Bonnie Blair, Ollie Hawes, Fran Pratt, Kathy Montague, and Janice Casler were just a few who showed her many acts of kindness. AmCare, Dr. Ravi, Dr. Khokhar and the staff at Rome Health provided excellent service. The family wishes to thank everyone for the time, care and compassion they gave to Norma. Her Funeral service will be Saturday, at 10:00 A.M. at Barry Funeral Home, 807 West Chestnut St. Rome, where Pastor Daniel Richter of the Ava Hilltop United Methodist Church will officiate. Interment will follow in Ava Cemetery, Ava. Calling hours are Friday from 3-7 P.M. at the Barry Funeral Home. Following the services everyone is invited to a celebration of Norma's life at 1:00 P.M. at Lake Delta Firehouse, Elmer Hill Road, Rome. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ava Hilltop Church Memorial Fund, PO Box 24, 11447 State Rt. 26, Ava, NY 13303; or to The Lake Delta Volunteer Fire Department, 8508 Elmer Hill Rd., Rome, NY 13440. For an on-line message of sympathy, please go to www.trainorfuneralhome.com