TEWKSBURY – Norma Parisi died peacefully, surrounded by her adoring family, Sept. 28, in Derry NH. She was the beloved wife of the late Annunzio “Joe” Parisi, to whom she was married for 54 years. Norma and "Joe" met in Providence, RI, when she was working a crossword puzzle on her work break and he came along and offered to help. It wasn't until after her response of "no thank you" that he noticed she was doing it in pen and not pencil! He had met his match! That was the beginning of what was to become a marriage that centered around family, including five children, ten grandchildren and eventually seven great-grandchildren.
In addition to her life-long career as homemaker, Norma also held jobs in retail, and in the jewelry, hotel, and toy manufacturing industries. For pleasure, she loved scenic drives throughout New England, boat rides, and seeing her "kids" get together. She always had a love for animals and would pick the runt of the litter, to be sure they were loved. She had a great interest in politics and presidential history, plus a fascination with airplanes, among many other things. She remained sharp, and could have a great conversation on any topic, making her a favorite of the wonderful caregivers at Windham Terrace, where she enjoyed her final few years — all the time with a crossword puzzle within reach.
Norma was the beloved mother of David H. Parisi and his wife Judith (Joslyn) of Dracut, Janis M. Parisi of Manchester, NH, Lori A. Ferreira and her husband David of Salem, NH, Michael J. Parisi and his partner Joelle Fagan of Londonderry, NH, Richard A. Parisi and his wife Amy (Thurston) of Chester, NH; grandmother of Dana Ferreira of Fredericksburg, VA, Jesse Ferreira, of Somerville, MA, Michael Parisi of Maui, Hawaii, Katie Parisi of Nashua, NH, Joey Parisi of Chester, NH, Mandy Parisi of Manchester, NH, Bethany Parisi of Wakefield, MA, Todd Monroe of Marlboro, MA, Sean Monroe of West Boylston, MA, and Nicole Gagnon of Townsend, MA; Great grandmother of 7; sister of Lois Bigelow of Dracut, Marilyn Enwright of Lowell, and the late Frances Lampron. Relatives and friends will be received Thursday, Oct. 3, from 4:00 until 7:00 in the Tewksbury Funeral Home, corner of 1 Dewey and 975 Main Sts. (Rte. 38) TEWKSBURY. Ph. (800 in MA or 978) 851 2950. Prayers will be offered at 7:00 p.m. Burial in Tewksbury Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers memorials to Angels Above Charitable Trust, 99 Mammoth Rd, Lowell, MA 01854 or angelsabovecharity.org will be appreciated. tewksburyfunerlhome.com