Rockland – Norma J. (Greenwald) Gear 70 passed away peacefully Monday January 9. She was the beloved wife of the late Michael C. Gear.
Born and raised in Melrose she was the daughter of the late George C. and Marion V. (Muse) Greenwald and a graduate of Melrose High School, Class of 1959.
Norma had been a resident of Rockland for over 44 years before she retired to Plymouth where she had lived for 4 years.
She enjoyed going to the beach, gardening and decorating around her home. She loved her “long walks” and traveling with her family and many friends, but her greatest joy was the times spent with her large family surrounding her.
Norma was a strong woman with a generous spirit, and never put herself ahead of others. She will be best remembered by all who knew her as a truly loving mother and a devoted grandmother.
She is survived by her loving children Pamela J. Gilbody and her husband William of Duxbury, Michael C. Gear Jr. of Rockland, David C. Gear and his wife Rachel of Rockland, Laura C. Chase and her husband Gregory of Whitman and Christopher C. Gear and his wife Karolyn of Hanover, her sisters Virginia Greenwald of Methuen, Ruth Cambria and husband Pasquale of Stoneham and Lois McNamara and her husband Patrick of Pompano Beach, FL. She is also survived by her 7 grandchildren whom she adored, Stephanie and Michael Gilbody of Duxbury, Alexander and Madeline Gear of Rockland, Olivia and Harrison Chase of Whitman and Logan Gear of Hanover as well as many nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Ann (Mimi) Haladay and Eleanor Martino.
Her funeral service will be held Thursday January 12 at 7 PM in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman. Visiting hours will be held prior to the service from 3-7 PM. Burial will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers donations in her name may be made to Mass General Breast Cancer Fund for Dr. Beverly Moy @ Mass General Hosp., Development Office, 165 Cambridge Street-Suite 600, Boston, MA 02114 Attention: Heidi Bergmeyer.
For online condolences and directions please visit www.blanchardfc.com