Norma De Abreu

norma de abreu

May 4, 1929 ~ June 30, 2024

Born in: Georgetown, British Guiana
Resided in: New Haven, Connecticut

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.

Services

Visitation: July 18, 2024 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Beecher & Bennett Funeral Service - Hamden
2300 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518

203-288-0800

Mass of Christian Burial: July 18, 2024 11:00 am

St. Rita Church
1620 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06517

203-248-5513

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. my deepest condolences to the whole family my prayers go out to all of you at this difficult time.

    Joseph Candela

  2. My sincerest condolences to the whole family. Granny was the sweetest soul, she will be remembered with deep admiration.

  3. My condolences to all that knew and loved her. Especially Trevor who’s very being revolved around loving his mom and making sure she was always good. You will be forever in Gods favor. May God keep his loving arms around you all and strengthen you during this difficult time.

  4. Condolences to Claire, Michael and family. God’s grace is sufficient to see you through.

    Eustace and Lorna Hurst

  5. Dr. Wanda Al-Ahad Bey D.M, Mommie was deeply loved and appreciated she is absent in body and present with her lord RIP

  6. A life well lived, a loving heart, an infectious laughter, a cheerful personality, a lasting legacy, so much to honor.
    Rest in eternal Peace Aunt Normie.

  7. A beautiful soul that will be missed dearly .
    Auntie Normie was so special to me. My deepest condolences to the family.

  8. My sincere condolences to the grieving children and other family member. May her soul RIP and rise in glory.

  9. So blessed to have had my Granny in my life. It’s an honor to have been loved and cared for by her and to have returned that love and compassion to her as she aged. My sweet Granny who always showed up for me, cared for me when I was sick, listened to me when I needed advice from someone other than my parents, taught me to sew, taught me invaluable life lessons, cooking lessons, spiritual advice – what haven’t I received from my loving Granny who gave much? Granny I will miss you so much, and that is the simplest way I can put it, my heart hurts with you no longer physically being here. I am held up by God’s grace and knowing you are in Christ’s arms at peace. From your Mimi ❤️

  10. My condolence to the entire family!!
    Your mother was a special person and I will forever have memories of all
    her loving kindness. Claire I know the pain you’re experiencing.I just want
    you to know I share your sadness.May your Mom Rest In Peace.

  11. Granny was a woman of great kindness with a big heart and the most infectious laughter. It was a blessing to know her over the years and to experience her light, positivity and story telling.
    Although we’ll miss you granny, there is comfort in knowing that you’re resting with God in perfect peace. You will always be in our hearts.

  12. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Trevor I am send you a big hug and prayers of comfort 🙏 ❤️

  13. My deepest condolences to the family. Our hearts go out to you, and may you gain comfort in the knowledge that your Mom and our dearest auntie lived a long and wonderful life.

    Our Auntie Normie, as we all called her, was the sweetest soul I knew growing up, and a wonderful friend to our entire family when we all lived as neighbors on D’Andrade Street, Newtown Kitty. In fact, she and her family were family to us.

    Auntie Normie was my Mom’s best friend and confidant and they would “gaff” for hours while I ran around the house getting up to mischief or chatting with Monty on our front porch about some Math problem. Lala (Trevor) was always by her side and as the youngest he was definitely her “pet” as we used to say.

    I can’t remember the details of what the “girls” gaffed about, but I am sure it was always about their kids, what they were up to and no doubt about it, their troublesome husbands-. let’s leave it at that.

    My aunt Normie knew the way to our hearts. I could still remember the smell of that wonderful fresh bread she used to bring over on Saturdays, straight from the oven. Her black pudding was second to none! She was a generous soul and our lives were enriched by her and the family.

    Aunt Normie will live on in our hearts and memories, and may she rest in loving peace, secure in the knowledge that she will always be remembered fondly and with love by our families.

    With love and on behalf of

    The McKenzies.

  14. Sincere condolences to Claire and family due to your mum’s passing.

    I had the privilege of meeting Miss Norma while attending CPCE in Guyana. She was such a loving, hospitable lady who passionately loved the Lord.

    May she rest in eternal peace. 🙏🏽👍🏽💞🌺🌿🌹

  15. Thank you for all the work you have done for our family. May God give you a great resting place in heaven.


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