Norma Jean Norcia

Norma Jean Norcia, originally of Newark, N.J., passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 15, 2016 in Garfield, Ark. She lived a joyous 86 years. The daughter of the late Antonino Norcia of San Giuseppe, Sicily and Ethel Virginia Eastwood of Newark. Norma graduated from the Newark School of Fine Arts High in 1947 where she won numerous awards for fashion illustration and a scholarship to the Traphagen School of Fashion in New York City. She was a lifelong artist, and worked in many different mediums. Norma won countless accolades throughout her career and was instrumental in starting and teaching at the Grassroots Art Studio in Stroudsburg, Pa. Norma was a loving and proud matriarch of her family. She is survived by her three children: Joe Stenson of Canadensis, Pa., Jim Stenson and his wife Judy of Saylorsburg, Pa., and Jeanie Stenson of Garfield, Ark., five grandchildren: Karissa Batt (Trevor), Katrina Stenson, Joseph J. Stenson, Erik Stenson, and Joseph D. Stenson, as well as one doted upon great-granddaughter, Evangeline Batt. Norma was the loving sister of Anthony Edwin Norcia of Manchester, N.J., and the late Rosalie Homer of Boynton Beach, Fla. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Norma was a tenacious woman with a quick wit that charmed all those who were lucky enough to have known her. Her family fondly remembers time together swimming, sleigh riding, and ice skating as well as attending Broadway shows and traveling to Disney World. Her love of reading and appreciation of music and art have been inherited by her children and grandchildren. Norma will lovingly by remembered as having an unparalleled zest for life and will be truly missed. Donations can be made to the Hope Cancer Resources, 5835 W. Sunset Avenue, Springdale, Ark. 72762.