Marie Norberta Jerome
July 5, 1922 ~ December 13, 2015
Windham- Marie Norberta OConnell Jerome,93, formerly of Rolfe Road,died peacefully on Sunday, December 13, 2015,at the Gosnell Hospice House with her loving family by her side. She was born in Portlandon July5, 1922,adaughter of the lateWilliamNorbert Sr. and Mary Frances(Earls)OConnell. She grew up in her beloved St. Patricks Parish in the Libbytown section of Portland, she graduated from St. Patricks School and Cathedral High School. Shortly thereafter she proudly served her country as a WAVE during World War II and worked for the Navy in Washington DC. During the war she met her future husband, LaVern Joseph Jerry Jerome. They were married in Washington, DC,on June 19, 1944. After the war they raised six children in Portland, a city she cherished. Norberta and Jerry supported St. Patricks Grammar School andChurch as well as Cathedral, Cheverus, and McAuley High Schools. All the while raising her children she also worked as a telephone operator for the phone company. They worked hard to provide their children with postsecondary educations. In later years they built a retirement home at Persumpscott Cove in Windham. This became a site for many family gatherings and wonderful shared memories. Norbertas interest included her Irish heritage and her husbands roots in North Dakota, art, literature, world geographyand culture, music, theatre, and books of all kinds. She will be remembered as a kind and gracious soul who always put others first.She was a devoted Catholic andSt. Patricks parishioner. Her life revolved around her family, which has been comforted by countless enduring memories, includingher show-stopping high kicks/ toe touches, wading into The Lake sporting navy blue Keds, and her chocolate peanut butter fudge that you had to eat with a spoon. The family expresses its gratitude to: Home Instead Gorham, Scarborough Terrace, Gosnell Hospice House, Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough especially the staff of the A and B units and the many dedicated medicalpersonnelwho treated her with skill and kindness, especially Dr. Peter Gordon and his nurse, Sue. She was predeceased by her devoted husband, LaVern, a sister Patricia Titi OConnell and husband Kenneth Cootie Cooledge, brothers Joseph S. and wife Patricia OConnell, William N.OConnell, Jr. and her greatgrandson Aiden Jerome. She is survived by four daughters Ann Marie and husband John McLaughlin of Standish, Nancy and husband PaulBoduchof North Hampton, NH, Margaret and husband Daniel Kane of South Portland, and Regina Jerome of Melrose, MA: twosons,Stephen and wife Sharon Jerome of Raymond, and Christopher and wife Barbara Jerome of Falmouth; 19 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, several nieces nephews, and other loving family members. Visiting hours will be heldon Thursday, December 17, 2015, from 4:00 to 7:00pmat Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home,172 State Street, Portland, ME.Prayers will be recited at the funeral homeon Friday, December 18, 2015 at 10:15amfollowed by an11:00amMass of Christian Burial at St. Pius X Catholic Church,492 Ocean Ave, Portland. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Broadway,SouthPortland. To visit Norbertas memorial page or to leave an online condolence, please visitwww.ctcrawford.com. If desired, donations in her name can be made to: The Maine Veterans Home, Resident Activity Program,290 Route 1, Scarborough, ME, 04074.
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My condolences to all my O’Connell and Jerome relatives. Norberta’s father was the brother of my dad, Jack. So she was a first cousin to me and my late sister, Barbara O’Connell Gill. Although we had not seen each other in many, many years, I deeply feel the loss of Norberta so near the anniversary of her brother Billy’s tragic death in 1952.
– John (“Jock”) O’Connell
Dear Nancy and Regina and Jerome family, My mother went to high school with your mother. Then my mom was a WAVE who married in Washington, DC during the war, as your mom did. Later I went to high school with Anne Marie, and later St. Joseph’s College, as she did.Even later, I worked at the telephone company and Mrs. Jerome was my supervisor. Your mom was a most wonderful supervisor. She was kind and considerate in a company which was not easy to work for. Your mom was a most amazing woman! I had no idea she had six children, and worked full time! I think God broke the mold after creating her!!! God bless you all! I know from my own experience that losing your mom, no matter what age, is never easy. Losing a mom like her will take some time and healing. She will help you through it. Know of my thoughts and prayers. Maureen Nealley Regan
– Maureen Nealley Regan
To Regina, my childhood and lifelong friend, and her family. I wish to send my sincerest condolences for your loss. God has been given another angel I’m sure.
– Mike Pallozzi
To the family of Marie,I am so thankful and happy to of had the chance to care for Marie at the Veterans’ home. Marie was such a sweet, caring, and marvelous woman. I will always remember whenever I sat next to her she would say “Oh my, you have beautiful hair.” She loved to play with my hair. I will always miss her beautiful blue eyes, and stylish ways. Along with her sometimes sassy and hilarious remarks. Thank you so much for allowing the staff at the Veterans’ home to get to know her, and all of her wonderful family. My condolences, may she rest in peace.
– Ashley Williams
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing.She was a wonderful woman and always so kind with a friendly smile. My sympathies to the family.
– Maryanne Connolly
may you rest in peace aunt naberta
– jon kalka
Anne-Marie,My condolences to the passing of your mother. She sounds like a wonderful woman who had a long and good life surrounded by many who loved her. My heart-filled sympathy to you and your entire family.
– Anita Taylor
Chris and family – My sympathies on the passing of your mother and grandmother. May the warmth of your memories comfort you now and in the future. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Warm Regards,Lynn
– Lynn Abood
To the wonderful Jerome Family,Please accept our deepest sympathies on the loss of your mother. She was a lovely lady.Prayers for you all.
– Mary & Paul Clough
Dear Ann Marie and Steve, so,sorry to hear of your mother passing….she was a second mother to me growing up….did stop and visit with her a few hrs ago with my mother…she didn’t really remember me as it had been many moons since she had last seen us….will keep you in my prayers.
– Carole black
Margaret and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Heaven is blessed with your Mum. May God bless and keep you.
– Marion Pitale
So sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. We all have very fond memories of her from St. Pat’s. She was a very very nice lady…you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Kent Margaret and Cathy White
– The Kent White Family
Our sympathies go out to your entire family. As neighbors we spent many times chatting with Marie and Jerry on the beach.They had lived near Chucks grandparents in Portland so they had a lot of things in common They were amazing people and so friendly to everyone. We hadn’t seen Marie for awhile but thought of her often . She is missed in the neighborhood as is Jerry.
– Chuck and Pam Whynot
Regina, we are so sorry for the loss of your dear mother. I know how much you will miss her but I so agree with your attitude – she was a wonderful mother and an amazing example of a great person. We are all lucky to know known her and I am blessed to have gotten to know her through you. May you be comforted in knowing that she is dancing in Heaven! Our heart-felt condolences to you and your entire family. With much love and deep sorrow, we cherish your friendship! – Kurt & Becky
– Kurt and Becky
Regina-So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
– Lisa Quirk Boucher
To all Marie’s family,My condolences on your loss. I was privileged to care for Marie for a time in her lovely home on the river when I was with Home Instead Senior Care. She was a sweet lady and loved and talked about you all. She was so special and and we always had something to talk and laugh about. She shared so many stories of growing up on Munjoy Hill that I felt I had been there, too! Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers in this difficult time.
– Linda Mitchell
Dear, Jerome FamilyI send my sincere condolences. It was an honor to take care of Marie. I will miss her sassy little grin every morning. Even in her last few days with us at the Veterans’ Home her kind, gentle soul shined brightly through those beautiful blue eyes. I was truly blessed to have had the chance to get to know Marie and her kind loving family. Rest in peace sweet Marie.
– Alyson Nystrom
Dear AnnMarie,Sending our sincerest sympathy & caring thoughts to you & family on the death of your beloved Mother. Peace & Prayers,Kathleen & Michael
– Kathleen Conley Murphy