Norma Jean Fordham Rogers (nee LaCourse), age 80, passed away Tuesday, April 12, 2011, after a brief illness.
Norma, a lifelong West Roxbury native, graduated from Notre Dame Academy ’48 and received a Bachelor’s in early childhood education from Boston State Teachers College in 1952. Her career as a kindergarten teacher for the City of Boston spanned thirty years. She greatly enjoyed teaching; even as recently as two weeks ago, a young woman who had been a kindergarten student of hers more than 20 years ago spoke to her at an area supermarket. She made a big impression on very small children.
She married the late Frederick M. Fordham of Hyde Park in 1957. Together they enjoyed 21 years of marriage and raised two children: Cynthia Anne of Saugus and Paul Frederick of Wrentham. Fred Fordham’s sudden death in 1978 led her to turn to the Norwood Widowed Lifeline, an organization with which she remained associated for 32 years. There she met her second husband, Russell L. Rogers of Needham, with whom she spent 15 years.
Norma and Russ RV camped cross country several times, driving to Alaska twice and crossing the Arctic Circle on both occasions. After Russ’s death in 1997, she continued to travel via RV, and also visited England, Italy, and most recently, Ireland, with her current companion, Charles O’Brien of Newton.
Among Norma’s passions was dancing. She traveled to several ballroom dancing hot spots weekly, including Lake Pearl Luciano’s in Wrentham, and Moseley’s in West Roxbury. She also enjoyed line dancing, and in her 70’s learned to tap-dance with a Norwood seniors group.
Never one to sit still, Norma served as president of the Parkway Seniors Club, volunteered at the Faulkner Hospital Mammography Clinic, celebrated 50-year anniversaries with classmates from high school and college, participated in several senior organizations, painted in oils, attended West Roxbury Historical Society meetings, and enjoyed the company of her children, Cynthia and Paul, and her stepson Russell Rogers Jr. and his family. Norma will be sorely missed by everyone who knew and loved her.
During the 1940's and 50's, the front porch of the family home on LaGrange St. became known for the large display of Santa Claus at Christmastime and the busts of prominent presidents for the 4th of July.
In addition to her children, Norma is survived by her stepson Russell Rogers Jr. and his wife Lori of North Reading and her 4 step-grandchildren.
Norma's Funeral Mass was celebrated April 15, 2011 at St. John Chrysostom Church. Several of her friends wore red to celebrate the color which she adored.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Norma’s memory may be made to the Norwood Council on Aging 275 Prospect St. Norwood, MA 02062 or to the Boston Public Library West Roxbury Branch Children’s Room 1961 Centre St. West Roxbury, MA 02132.
Interment Fairview Cemetery in Hyde Park.