Norma R. Sobers

Norma R. Sobers
of Oneonta
Norma R. Sobers, 94, of Oneonta, passed away Tuesday, July 29, 2008, at the A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital. Born March 10, 1914, in Binghamton, daughter of the late Henry and Bertha (Gardner) Rosenzweig. Married John A. Sobers Dec. 8, 1941. Norma, a professional musician from age 9, a child prodigy violinist, taught piano for more than 30 years. In Oneonta Symphony Orchestra was first seat violin concert master more than 20 years. Norma traveled throughout the area playing piano with dance bands, both the piano and violin at charity functions, played the church organ, was a lifetime member of the Musician's Union, and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker. Survived by her husband, John A. Sobers Sr.; children, Elizabeth Jean Eckert, Oneonta, Dr. David L. and Jean Sobers, Albuquerque, N.Mex., Richard C. Sobers, Oneonta, Kathryn A. and Terrance Powers, Ballston Lake, John A. Jr. and Catherine Sobers, Oneonta and Steven A. Sobers, Oneonta; grandchildren, Jeanne Jones, Lee Hecox, Paula Riley, Ray Hecox, Patricia LeVeille, Jason Sobers, Dallin Sobers, Rick Sobers, Geri Lynn Delamater, Heather Stuart, Stephanie Piccolo, Emily Sheffer, Kevin Sobers, Jonathan Sobers, Kiersten Sobers, Damon Sobers and Steven Sobers Jr.; cousins, Mimi and Jack Carmen, Binghamton; 25 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her parents, a daughter, Carolyn Campbell, Arizona; a sister, Helen VanDemark; and a grandson, Terry Hecox.
Family will receive friends at the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oneonta, from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday. A funeral service will be held immediately following at 3 p.m. with the Rev. Eric Santamont, Pastor of Southside Wesleyan Church, officiating. Interment will be in Oneonta Plains Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may go to the Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, N.Y. 13820.