Norma L. Hales

Norma Lee (Edson Rafuse) Hales of Fitchburg and formerly of Westminster passed away November 28, 2023 after a brief illness.  She leaves her daughter Jessica Rafuse of Fitchburg and her son Neil (Chip) Rafuse II and his wife Carlene of Dexter, Maine.  Norma also leaves her sisters Faith, Sally, Paula and her husband Paul and her brother Fred and his wife Claudette as well as many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

 

Norma was born in Fitchburg August 26, 1939 to the late Norman and Ina Wallin Edson.  She was a graduate of Fitchburg High School and Mount Wachusett Community College.  During her working life she worked for the special education department of Ashburnham-Westminster Schools, as a real estate broker, a paralegal, a free-lance writer and in management of The Sundial Housing for the Elderly.  She also volunteered her time to the Salvation Army and Friends of the Library.

 

Norma was predeceased by her husband Roger Hales and her brothers Ted and Norman.  Norma and Roger enjoyed travels throughout the United States and Europe and had a special love for spending their summers in Dexter, Maine.  Norma had a soft spot in her heart for all animals, was an avid reader, enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, crafting and quilting, was a baker and never met a piece of chocolate she didn't love.  Her feisty spirit was alive and well right to the very end.

 

As per her wishes, there are no calling hours and a memorial service will be held at a later date. 

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Nature Conservancy, World Wildlife Fund or an animal rescue of your choice.

 

Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner are handling the arrangements.