Obituary of Norma Sorrentino

With profound sadness our family announces the peaceful passing of Norma on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the age of 96. Norma was the beloved wife of the late John for 48 years. She will be greatly missed by her loving and devoted children John (Gaetanne) of Kitchener, Carol (Steven Smith) of Lively and Terri (Tom Kewley) of Chatham. She was the adored grandmother of Emilie Sorrentino, Jessica (Connor Stone) and Calvin Smith, Taylor (Anthony Atkinson) and Josh Kewley. Cherished great-grandmother of Orion and Leo Smithstone. Norma is survived by her elder sister Margaret Bennett (late John). Predeceased by her parents Alexandro and Maria Mandatori, siblings Yola Dovigi (Gino), Ann DeLuca (Mario), Alexander, and Nick, and in-laws Antonio and Angela Sorrentino, and husband’s siblings Agatha Fera (Hector), Julie Shiels, Pauline Tagliabracci (Elvino) and Tony.

Norma will be forever remembered as kind and welcoming by numerous loving nieces, nephews, friends and neighbours. Her home was the gathering spot for many memorable Christmas family celebrations over the years.

Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Norma enjoyed working at the theatre and the A&P alongside lifelong friends. After marrying John, she became an exceptional mother, confidante and advisor to her three children. Norma cultivated many talents including gardening, homemade Italian cooking, baking, pickling and knitting beautiful afghans for her family and the Northeast Cancer Centre. She found joy in crafts, puzzles, card games, reading, movies, BINGO and frequent casino trips. Always engaged with current events, she was a loyal follower of various sports and a longtime member of the Catholic Women's League (CWL).  One of Norma's favourite expressions during life's challenging times was to 'turn the page' and keep moving forward. In keeping with this philosophy, she made the courageous decision in 2019 to transition to Maple City Retirement Home, followed by Riverview Gardens Long-Term Care, both in Chatham, where she received exceptional care from compassionate professionals greatly appreciated by her family.

Friends and family are invited to visit at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Road, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B 0B6, 705-945-7758) on Monday, October 20, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service in the Chapel at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Helen Smith officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Sault Area Hospital Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Society would be greatly appreciated.