Published in the January 6, 2017 edition.
MELROSE — Norma R. (Deschenes) Hemenway, 91, of Melrose, passed away at home on Dec. 29.
Norma was born in Bennington, VT, was raised in Arlington, VT and was a graduate of Arlington, VT High School. She went on to earn her degree from LaSalle Junior College in Auburndale, MA.
Norma worked as a clerk for J.F. Hovey Department Store in Boston and also for John Hancock Insurance Company.
She resided in Melrose for many years, was a member of the Church of the Incarnation for over 30 years, was a CCD teacher and member of the church choir.
Norma enjoyed cats, gardening, square dancing, walking, reading and taking cruises with her husband to Alaska, Hawaii, Bermuda, St. Martin and the Panama Canal.
She was the beloved wife of the late Alvin R. Hemenway for 53 years. She was the loving mother of Cynthia Hemenway of Stoneham, Allen Hemenway of Peabody, Deborah Gibson and her husband Charles of VA, Philip Hemenway and his wife Debra of MI, Mark Hemenway of Somerville, Lisa Hodge of Bedford, Andrea Lynch and her husband John of Holliston and Barbara Wright of Melrose. She was predeceased by 2 sisters and 1 brother. She was the cherished grandmother of 8 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and a niece and nephew.
Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Sunday, Jan. 8, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The funeral from the Gately Funeral Home on Monday, Jan. 9, at 8:45 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in the Church of the Incarnation, 425 Upham St., Melrose at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend.
Burial will take place in Vermont at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the MSPCA, 350 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130.
For directions and to sign online condolence visit www.gatelyfh.com
