Norma M. Levante

Norma Marie Walsh Levante, 82, of Pittsfield, MA, returned to her heavenly home on April 18, 2016 after a valiant battle with a long illness. With her devoted family by her side every step of the way and her firm belief in God, she exemplified courage and was able to die peacefully at home surrounded by the love of her family and friends. A lifelong resident of Pittsfield, MA, Norma was born to the late Thomas and Geneva Hurley Walsh, on October 8, 1933. She was immersed in her Catholic faith from an early age with the guidance of her parents and the Catholic education she received from Kindergarten through high school. She graduated from Saint Joseph High School in 1951. She continued to actively participate in her faith at Saint Mary's Church until its closing and then at Saint Charles Church until the time of her death. Norma was blessed with a loving family. She married her best friend and the love of her life, Raymond Albert Levante, on July 12, 1952 at Saint Joseph's Church in Pittsfield, MA. Norma, along with Ray, helped raise their three children with patience, discipline, integrity, and a sense of fun. From the very beginning, she dedicated herself to being a mother who encouraged them to lead a life of love and kindness. She instilled a strong sense of family and encouraged traditions. While Norma worked at Dayton Television before her children were born and returned to work after they were grown at The Corner Bed & Bath Shop as well as England Brothers, the greatest work experience of her life, according to her, was being a mother. Norma was an educator/nurse/mother at heart. She was a natural at teaching and sharing all she knew with others. She was medically knowledgeable and helped many with the compassion and spirit of a true nurse. She was kind and always had time to answer a question or solve a problem, no matter how small. She offered sage advice to family and friends. She opened her home and heart easily. Strong, yet gentle, confident yet humble, she was the epitome of grace and mercy. She is dearly missed by her loved ones, who celebrate the fact that she is at peace in heaven and reunited with Ray. Norma is survived by her son, Glenn Levante and his wife Linda, who she loved sharing Saturday morning coffee with; her daughter, Karen Furey and her husband Michael, who she loved doing home projects with; her daughter, Lisa Pope and her husband Doug, who she loved doing puzzles with and talking about the Red Sox; her grandchildren, Gary and Gregg Levante, who she loved having weekend visits with & gave her great joy; her brother, James Walsh and his wife Judy, who she loved talking to everyday as well as her grandcat, Grace, who she adored and was her daily companion. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Raymond and her parents, Thomas & Geneva Walsh. Norma's family would like to thank HospiceCare in the Berkshires and their incredibly supportive staff especially her main nurse, Tabitha and her nurses, Misty, Margaret, and Betty who were with us at the end. Thanks to Linda and Lori for their gentle care, making her look beautiful every day, especially in her final days. Thanks to Laurie for all her patience in helping us to find resources to maintain her at home. Thanks to Dr. Fribush and his staff for all their care. You always made her feel so welcome and comfortable. Thanks to Father Peter Gregory for all your prayers, help, and home visits. Thanks to our family and friends near and far for all your support. Words will never be enough to all of you for making our mother's life and ours one filled with beauty, love, and light. Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Norma Levante will be Friday, April 22, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. from the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North St. Pittsfield MA with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Charles Church celebrated by Rev. Peter A. Gregory, pastor. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. There will be an hour of visitation at the funeral home, prior to the funeral service, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Charles Church in care of the Dwyer Funeral Home, in her memory. DONATIONS CANNOT BE MADE ONLINE, but may be made through the Dwyer Funeral Home.

Norma M. Levante

October 8, 1933 - April 18, 2016