Norma Marie Calabro, 81, of Chillicothe, formerly of Leisure Acres in Washington, passed away at 11:38 p.m. on Tuesday, March 6, 2012, at Heritage Manor in Chillicothe. Her Funeral Liturgy will be at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 9, 2012, at Clary Funeral Home, 3004 West Lake Avenue in Peoria, with Fr. Keith Walder officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Norma was born in Omaha, NE on October 25, 1930, the daughter of Edward M. and Mary L. (Brasel) Loehr. They preceded her in death, along with her brother and sister-in-law. She was formerly married to Louis A. Calabro. She is survived by her daughters, Annette (Gary) Boucher of Peoria and Pat (Dave) Ary of East Peoria; son, Michael (Kathy) Calabro of Peoria; eight grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. Norma was a parishioner of St. Monica Catholic Church in East Peoria and had been receiving weekly Holy Communion from St. Edward Catholic Church in Chillicothe. She retired as the manager of Domestics for JC Penny at Northwoods Mall in Peoria. She was formerly employed with Carson Pirie Scott, both in downtown Peoria and later at Northwoods Mall. In her youth, Norma enjoyed ballroom dancing, planting rose bushes, decorating, getting her hair styled and being “beautified”. She collected animal figurines, loved visiting her neighbors, walking her dog and going to Mass. She loved the holidays, her pets, ice cream, buying clothes and she couldn’t live without her diet soda. She will be remembered for always helping others and for her dry sense of humor, independence, determination and kindness. She had a great love for animals, adored her family and had a tremendous faith in God and her church. Memorial contributions may be made in Norma’s memory to Rescue 33 in Chillicothe or to the Peoria Humane Society.
| Donnette "Cheech" Samuels |
Norma's daughter Anette's friend |
March 24, 2012 |
To honor Norma's memory, a donation was made to Maywood Fine Arts in Maywood, Il.c where children experience theatre, trapeze, art, and dance in all its forms: ballet, tap, and the jitterbug Norma loved.
Rest in peace to my friend Annette's mom.
| Karen Loehr |
My favorite memory |
March 8, 2012 |
My favorite memory of my aunt Norma is:
When we were growing up, Annette Funicello was popular and Norma jokingly called her Annette Full of Jello. I still think of that and smile.
God bless you, Norma, as you join your family in heaven.
| Danielle Blair |
Happy Birthday!!! |
October 25, 2012 |
Happy Birthday grandma. I did not know i could miss a person as much as I miss you! I think about you everyday. I often laugh at all the good times we had and great pictures we took. I cherish them all. I love and miss you!! Please keep an eye over me!
| Anna Bandy |
Friend |
April 9, 2012 |
I discovered Norma's passing today as I was sending condolences to another friend who is using this Funeral Home's services. I am so sad to hear of her passing. She was a very good and kind lady. She lived at Leisure Acres where my mother Filomena lived and they were good friends. Norma road to church with us. My Mom and I went to see her once at her daughter's house in Peoria, however, I lost my Mom almost exactly a year ago. My Mom died on the third of March last year and I see Norma was buried on her birthday. I hope they are enjoying a good cup of coffee and birthday cake in heaven! I know the place is clean with both of them up there because they were both very picky housekeepers! I will be praying for Norma along with praying for my Mom and pray for you her family too, that God may comfort you and give you peace!
| Alex |
What a Lady! |
April 6, 2012 |
There is no better testament to a mother than how she raises her children. I was lucky enough to know one of Norma's children. Annette raised me, loved me, dealt with me (i was a pain in my teenage years). Norma, I wish you the most sincere love while you are at rest. Thank you for your love and compassion, and for bringing me my angel: Annette. Rest in peace, sweet lady, and tell Gynell I say "hello". Love always, Alex.
| Denise Antonacci |
sympathies |
March 26, 2012 |
i just wanted to offer my sympathies on Norma's passing. i met Norma this past Fall when i started visiting Heritage with my Therepy Dog Cookie. Norma was such an animal lover & i will never forget those stuffed animals always sitting on her bed. Cookie & i were not allowed to visit the last couple of weeks due to the flu outbreak, so i was truly saddened this past Friday when we visited & got the news. Norma was one of the residents that i made sure to visit every time i was there. even when she was not feeling so well, i always wanted her to have the chance to pet Cookie - it seemed to bring her some comfort. she was a truly sweet woman. my sympahies to your family.
| sue Daily |
caregiver & friend |
March 12, 2012 |
It was an honor and a privelage to be part of normas life. thank you for allowing me to have taken care of her. norma was on of the classiests ladies i have ever met. we had many good times together and i will always cherish those memories. i have an empty place in my heart. but one thing i know , norma had a place for everything & i gaureentee she will not allow any one to wrinkle her cloud. you all became just like family and will be missed. im sorry i was ill for her service. therebwill always be a placve in my heart for all of you. Every time i crack open a diet pepsi i will say a silent toast for norma. in loving memory, sue & roy daily
