Norma Notzold-De Rosa, 82, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, at Rose Tree Place in Media, holding her daughter Britte’s hand. She was surrounded by love, with her daughter Kirsten, son Paul, and husband Michael De Rosa at her side. Friends and extended family had been visiting throughout the weeks before her passing.
Norma was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Gus and Ruth (née Olsen) Oelkers and grew up with her two sisters. At age five, her family moved to Rockville Centre on Long Island, where she attended school, though she always considered herself a Brooklynite at heart. She carried a lifelong fondness for New York City—its energy, vibrance, and diversity.
She earned her undergraduate degree at Beaver College (now Arcadia University), where she developed a passion for helping others, as well as a love of travel. She backpacked through Europe with friends, camped, and took countless road trips. She soaked up as many experiences as she could.
After the birth of her first daughter, Kirsten, Norma returned to school as a single mother to earn her M.S. from the University of Pennsylvania. She believed education was the path to freedom—learning led to understanding, and understanding led to change. Throughout her life, she remained a fierce advocate for women’s rights, racial equality, and was active in the peace movement.
Norma later married Dr. Richard Notzold, whose humor and theatrics she adored. Together, they had two children, Paul and Britte, and Norma also grew close with Richard’s daughters from his first marriage: Gretchen, Lauren, and Dana.
The family made their home in West Chester for 25 years, filling the house with love, laughter, music, and friends from the Unitarian Universalist community. Norma loved piling the kids into the car for road trips, where they sang show tunes, campfire songs, and oldies—memories her children still cherish. As a mother, she was endlessly supportive, encouraging curiosity and exploration rather than prescribing a path. More than anything, she wanted her children to find happiness.
Norma’s love of learning extended to her career. She served as Head of the Penn State Brandywine Learning Center until her retirement in 2006, where she worked tirelessly to support students. She taught literacy, mentored future teachers, and championed programs for adult learners and international students. Many remember her not just as a mentor but as someone who opened her home and heart when they needed a place to grow.
She also created service-learning programs that brought students to Guatemala and Peru, combining education with cultural immersion. Norma believed deeply in building connections across borders and cultures.
After Richard’s passing, Norma moved to the Fairmount neighborhood of Philadelphia, where she embraced city life once again. On Meredith Street, she quickly became known for her
warmth, humor, and legendary sidewalk cocktail parties—so lively they even drew a visit from Mayor Michael Nutter. She treasured the dynamic group of new friends she made on the block.
During this time she played proud grandma, spending a lot of time getting to know her 6 grandchildren: Luna, Ame, Ingrid, Ida, Smith, and Beatrix. And it was important to her that they knew her.
In 2015, Norma and her friend, Professor Michael De Rosa, grew close through their shared love of theatre and travel. They married in 2019 and enjoyed ten rich years together, attending plays, ballet, and countless performances in Philadelphia and New York. Sundays were for church and brunch with friends at the Court Diner in Media, and nearly every day included a walk along the Chester Creek Trail, where Norma delighted in the wildflowers each spring.
Together, Norma and Mike vacationed with her children and traveled widely, visiting more than 50 countries across five continents. From savoring crème brûlée in Paris to trekking with gorillas in Uganda or spotting lemurs in Madagascar, she embraced each adventure with joy. Paris and Egypt—her childhood dream—held a special place in her heart.
Over time, her travel abilities became limited, but Norma’s adventurous spirit remained undimmed. She continued to ask, “Where are we going next?”—a question that reflected her lifelong curiosity and zest for life.
She was not afraid to live her life freely and fully.
During her final days, Norma was surrounded by family and friends, each with a favorite story to share. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Memorial Service will be held Sunday November 16th at 2pm at Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County. 145 W Rose Tree Rd Media, PA.
Arrangements provided by Rigby Harting & Hagan 15 E 4th St Media, PA 19063
www.haganfuneralhome.com
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