Norma A. York

Norma A. York of Jupiter, Florida and Bedford, New Hampshire passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 while surrounded by her loving family.

Norma was born in Lynn, Massachusetts, on May 26, 1934 to John and Margaret Landry. She was the eldest of three children and attended St. Mary’s Catholic High School in Lynn, MA.

A devout Catholic, Norma faithfully attended Mass services every week- even in her time of declining health. She had tremendous faith and she relied upon it to help her through life’s toughest moments. Right up until the very end, her belief in the Lord provided her strength and courage to carry her through her last and final journey of life.

In addition to her love for the church, Norma found pleasure in gathering her very large family together for special occasions. She had a passion for planning parties and events right down to the very last detail so everything could be just perfect for her family and friends! From dazzling Christmas parties to splashy summer cookouts, she would outdo even herself year after year. She would revel in everyone’s delight as they danced the night away. Her favorite holiday was Thanksgiving, where setting a table for 50 was an artform to her. There was nothing more important to her than family and Thanksgiving was that one holiday where she could show them just how much they really meant to her. She affectionately made a meal for an army without blinking an eye.

Norma was a very beautiful and classy woman with incredible style and taste. She always looked as though she was attending a gala event even on the days she was just going to lunch with friends. She took pride in her appearance and it showed. Although not officially trained in the art of interior design, she certainly had a flare for decorating, too. She was a “shopaholic” and she would be elated when she found that special piece to finish off a room. Many who visited her homes would be in awe of the magic she pulled together, mostly by her own efforts. She also had a voracious appetite for reading. The term “bookworm” is an understatement when it came to her love of books. She had an extensive library, and it was common for her to read a book, or two, in a week.

Norma is predeceased by her husband Robert L. York and her son John Bennett, Senior. She is survived by her remaining seven children, Robert Bennett of Sarasota, Florida; Steven Bennett of Scottsdale, Arizona; Robin Boutot of Chester, NH; Kim Carmichael of Jupiter, Florida; Julie Bedard of Jupiter, Florida; Christopher York of Portsmouth, NH; and, Nicole Cotnoir of Epsom, NH. She is also survived by her 19 grandchildren, led by John Bennett, Jr. of Salem, NH, and 16 great-grandchildren.

Norma was an anchor to so many and it was not uncommon for her to put the needs of others above her own. She had a big heart and her generosity was unsurpassed. Norma will be deeply missed by all who knew her and she will be forever remembered by her children for her undying love and commitment to her family.

To honor Norma’s life, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth Seton Church in Bedford, NH, on Monday, March 17, 2025 at 1:00pm. Entombment will directly follow the Mass at Mount Calvary Cemetery, in Manchester, NH. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations are made in Norma’s Memory to her favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. (https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html).