Norma Jean Forcellina

Norma Jean Forcellina of Norwalk, CT, age 89, passed away on February 14, 2024 at Norwalk Hospital after an extended illness. Norma was born on May 8, 1934 in Ossining, NY to the late Paul and Margaret Lengyel (Blackman), and grew up in Norwalk, CT. She graduated from Norwalk High School Class of 1952 and met her husband, Fred C. Forcellina of Norwalk, CT while teenagers. They married in 1959 and celebrated 56 years together before his passing.  

Norma became a Jehovah's Witness in her teens and gained much joy and strength from her faith. From a young age, she enjoyed learning and teaching others about the truths held in the Bible. She also enjoyed accompanying her husband while he travelled to various locations around the U.S. assisting in the ministry work, and met many people that became lifelong friends. Prior to her marriage she worked as a teller in a local bank, and then at her children’s school for many years as a Library Assistant and Secretary in the office of the principal. During this time she participated in every field trip, bake sale, book sale and school program imaginable in support of her two cherished children. In later years she also worked as an Office Manager of a Real Estate firm. She loved all types of music (so much that she encouraged her son to have his many band practices over the years at their home), collecting shells at any beach she was able to visit, entertaining, and when younger, a good square-dance or game of volleyball.

It is hard to sum up someone who was extraordinarily friendly, loving, and giving of her time and resources. Over the years she was the ultimate caregiver to many close relatives, most notably supporting her beloved sister through decades of cancer care. Many were recipients of her open-door policy. She was always ready to host anyone who happened by her home at any time of day or night with a cup of coffee or an iced tea… and loved arranging dinner parties and picnics (some quite large) for friends and family on a regular basis. In addition to her own two children (and 2 dogs, 7 cats, two gerbils and one turtle…don’t worry…not all at the same time!) she adored her two grandsons beyond words, always ready to pitch in and care for them at a moment’s notice. 

Norma was a wonderful caretaker to many young ones over the years, whether it be for an hour, a day, (or a few times, months) and had always loved each of them as her own. As adults, many still refer to her as “Aunt Norma” or “Mom”. So much of who she was will be dearly missed by all of her extended family members and friends, particularly her smile…oh, that smile.

Norma is survived by her daughter Tami Trautmann and husband Erik of Stratford, CT, son Todd Forcellina of Norwalk, CT, and grandsons Jett Jackson and Cash Cameron, and her fur-grandson, Tidbit. She is additionally survived by sister-in-law Mary Mazzuca of Wilton, CT along with her nephew Glenn Forcellina of Norwalk, CT, nieces Deborah Forcellina of Enfield, CT, Jonna Gabriele and husband Richard of Wilton, CT, April Betts and husband Wes of Lee, MA, and many other dear relatives. She was predeceased by her sister, Doris Sokosh, brother-in-law John Sokosh, brother-in-law, Ralph Forcellina, sister-in-law Edna Forcellina, and brother-in-law, John Mazzuca.

The family would like to give tremendous thanks to the amazing staff at Wilton Meadows, Wilton, CT.  From the nurses and aides to the administrators, we could not have survived this journey without you.

A Memorial Service will be held on March 30, 2024 at 2:30 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 126 Newtown Avenue, Norwalk, CT, followed by a celebration of life for family & friends.