Norma Ruth Barer

Barer, Norma Ruth
February 5, 1927 - October 7, 2015. Norma Barer, 88, surrounded by family, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2015. Born in Cleveland, OH, to Nettie and Hyman Gelfand, she moved to Phoenix, AZ in 1944. A graduate of ASU, (B.A. and M.A.), Norma was the 'dance teacher extraordinaire' to thousands of children in the Valley and choreographed dozens of musical productions within the Phoenix community and at Scottsdale High. Norma worked as a counselor at Scottsdale High until its closing and taught in the Scottsdale School District until retiring in 2008. Norma served on the faculty at ASU and had a loyal following at her exercise class at the Unitarian Church, Paradise Valley. She was well-known and well-respected within the dance, theater and art communities. Norma's spirited ways motivated many of her students not only to share her love of dance but also follow her career path. Norma also served the National Spasmodic Dysphonia Foundation as a Board Member. Norma leaves behind her daughter Susan Nissenbaum (Mark) Reno, NV, granddaughters Lisa Goldsmith Katz (Dan), Lisa Jill Mukavitz and Jamie Bakal (Matthew) and six great-grandchildren. Norma was preceded in death by husband Phillip Barer and daughter Patricia Louise Barer. A graveside service will be held Sunday, October 11th at 10:00 a.m., Green Acres Cemetery, Scottsdale, AZ. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Autism Speaks, 6330 San Vicente Blvd., #401, Los Angeles, CA 90048 or www.walknowfor autismspeaks.org/losangeles/samkatz.