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Norma Occomy

1939 - 2018

Norma Occomy obituary, 1939-2018, Chicago, IL

FUNERAL HOME

Ridge Funeral Home

6620 West Archer Ave

Chicago, Illinois

Norma Occomy Obituary

Occomy, Norma Jean "Jeannie" Was born on October 25, 1939 in Benham, Kentucky and died March 29, 2018 due to complications from dementia. She was surrounded by family. She spent her early years in Birmingham, Alabama where she excelled in school, skipping a grade. Her family discovered early on that she had a gift for music she could play anything 'by ear' and sang and played piano for her church choir. Norma once told her daughter that her first music teacher had no idea she couldn't read music. She would eavesdrop at her music teacher's window, listen to her play and memorize the songs before her next lesson. Norma's mother sent her up North to Chicago to expand her educational opportunities. She lived in the West Chesterfield community and attended Hyde Park High School, then graduated from Fenger High. She earned a Bachelor's degree at Chicago Teachers College and taught in District 130 in Blue Island for 30 years as an elementary school teacher then music teacher. As a pastime, she joined other African-American teachers and professionals in playing contract bridge. She was a member of the American Bridge Association for over 30 years and traveled the country playing bridge at conventions, earning a Gold-Diamond status. She founded the Intermediates Bridge Club in the early 1980's, played a large role in the effort to purchase a new building for the Midwest Bridge Unit and taught bridge for several years. She is survived by her three children, their spouses and children and a host of other relatives and friends. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 7, 2018 at St. James AME Church, 9256 S. Lafayette Ave. at 10:00 a.m., Prepast breakfast at 9:00 a.m.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Apr. 4, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
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October 3, 2018

I just heard of your mother's passing and I extend my deepest sympathies. Your mother was my co-worker for many years. In district 130. I met her as a younger teacher and she looked after me and helped me in many ways. I still lived with my parents on 85th and Throop and she and I sometimes offered one another rides to and from school. I c@n still hear her laughter (it filled a room). She was of a woman with grace and style.

Phyllis Graham

Paula Gellert

August 26, 2018

Your mom was my teacher at Sanders School for 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade. She was the most wonderful gracious person. Your mom was the first person to believe in my talents, even when I had no idea what those were.

She was my niece's music teacher at Paul Revere School many years later and I came to a performance the students gave and I got to talk to Mrs. Occomy for the first time in years. It was as if no time had passed. She remembered all of us. Well she recognized my parents right away but not me. It took her several minutes to believe it was really me. I wish I could have talked to her again after that.
Several times over the years I tried to reach out to her but wasn't able to reach her.

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Please express my sympathy to all of your family. Thank all of them for sharing her with all of us over the years.

Mother's Day 2016

Marcia Occomy

May 15, 2018

Marcia Occomy

May 15, 2018

Marcia Occomy

May 15, 2018

Marcia Occomy

May 15, 2018

Marcia Occomy

May 9, 2018

Marcia Occomy

May 9, 2018

Memorial Service Program

Marcia Occomy

May 9, 2018

Memorial Service Program

Marcia Occomy

May 9, 2018

Memorial Service Program

Marcia Occomy

May 9, 2018

Memorial Service Program

Marcia Occomy

May 9, 2018

Memorial Service Program - Program Cover

May 9, 2018

Norma at her high school prom

Marcia Occomy

May 9, 2018

I am adding a series of photos of my lovely mother in her memory.


- Marcia D. Occomy

A. L.

April 6, 2018

May the bereaved family be comforted by looking forward to Jesus' promise recorded at John 6:40.

Mary Johnson

April 6, 2018

I knew Norma for 53 years. She was always a kind, sweet, loving person that loved everyone. She was genuinely smart and a worker at heart in every task she encountered.
She enjoyed life, especially Bridge but her jewels were her Children.

May she rest in sweet peace!
Mary E. Johnson

Z L

April 6, 2018

My sincerest condolences for the loss of your love one. May you take comfort in the words found at Hosea 13:14 during this difficult time.

J McKinley

April 5, 2018

Condolences to Tracy and all of Ms. Occomy's loved ones.
Prayerfully, Jeretha McKinley, HealthConnect One

karen marcus

April 5, 2018

Norma, I now know where your daughter Marcia got her work ethic,her persistence to follow through,her drive for trying other avenues to pursue a adventuresome career.Rest in peace and may your memory provide comfort to your loved ones..... karen

FTD® Loving Light™ Dishgarden

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Stanley P

April 4, 2018

Norma no doubt was very gifted as well as a standout in her community and loved and cherished others as much as she was loved. Please accept my condolences. Please find comfort in these words at Isaiah 5:5-7 that speak of a future time but a future that is very near.

April 4, 2018

How precious our love ones are to us.They are even more precious to God. John 3:16

March 31, 2018

To family you are not alone during this time of sorrow and pain. May God give your family strength and comfort to help you endure this loss. As you remember your beloved one, the God of peace give you comfort and peace in every way. May you find Strength from the love and care that surrounds you and comfort in the memories that you shared. Please accept my sincere condolences
2 Thessalonians 3:16

Wanda S. Ohio

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results

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Memorial Events
for Norma Occomy

Apr

7

Memorial service

10:00 a.m.

St. James AME Church

9256 S. Lafayette Ave, IL

Funeral services provided by:

Ridge Funeral Home

6620 West Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60638

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