Obituary of Norma M. DiDonato
Norma Marie DiDonato (née Quinn), 97 years, formerly of the Kirkwood section of Voorhees, NJ, was born on May 30th 1924, and passed into eternal life suddenly but peacefully on January 21st, 2022. Norma was the beloved wife of the late Joseph DiDonato, daughter of the late John and Sophia Quinn, and sister of the late Jack Quinn, Dorothy Quinn, Frank Quinn and Marie Martell. She was also predeceased by her 2 sons, Paul (2001) and Christopher (2008). Norma enjoyed a very full life as a loving mother caring for her 9 children. She is survived by her children Joseph (Bonnie), John (Blanche), Raymond (Mary Lee), Dennis (Liesje), Diane (the late Roy) Flash, Michael (Holly), and Mark (Carole). Norma is also survived by 23 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren. Norma truly enjoyed the craziness of her large, loving family.
Family and friends are invited to attend her viewing on Friday February 4, 2022 from 9:00AM to 11:00AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish St. Lawrence Church, 135 N. White Horse Pike, Lindenwold NJ. Mass of Christian Burial 11:00AM. Interment in New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr NJ. The family is requesting that face masks be worn inside for the services.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in Norma’s name be made to the Special Olympics at 1 Eunice Kennedy Shriver Way Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 (https://www.sonj.org/), OR to the American Cancer Society at 1851 Old Cuthbert Rd., Cherry Hill NJ 08034. Arrangements under the direction of the DANKS-HINSKI FUNERAL HOME, LINDENWOLD NJ. To leave lasting condolences or photos, please use the links on this page.
Norma DiDonato’s Short Story
Norma was born in Philadelphia, and she grew up on Hollywood Street in Brewery town. She attended Dobbins Vocational School. Then in 1942 her life was forever transformed when on the boardwalk in North Wildwood she met Joseph R. DiDonato. Times were challenging with the first three sons, Joey, Jack and Ray since they lived in a row home on 66th Street.
As the family grew, Grandpop Di helped them buy their lifetime home in Kirkwood, NJ, where Dennis, Diane, Mike, Chris, Mark and Paul were born and raised. In her younger years, she waitressed in Wildwood at the Bolero Hotel where she rubbed elbows with Tony Bennett, the Mills Brothers and the Four Aces. Later when her children were older, she spent many years working on the voting polls in Kirkwood and working for Shoppers Guide newspaper advertisers. She gave up her desire to drive after a few disastrous attempts. She enjoyed crocheting, picking up treasures at yard sales and spending lots of time on the beach in Wildwood. Then later in life, she enjoyed casino shows, and gambling trips to Atlantic City, especially trips with her son Mark. She always looked forward to large family gatherings, and especially the Wildwood Fourth of July family party.
Norma had a very good sense of humor, with and an impeccable memory, as well as a knack for boldly and directly speaking her mind.
She survived raising 9 kids in a small house, many bouts of depression, a cerebral aneurysm, the death of her husband, the untimely tragic death of her sons Paul and Chris, and she also overcame the deadly COVID viral infection in 2021.
“May God (now) hold (her) in the Palm of His Hand”