Norma S. Wamester

About

Concordia College

Norma Wamester Obituary

Norma Schilke Wamester left this beautiful life on June 10, 2023. She leaves behind her husband of 56 years, William Wamester, and siblings John and Bob Schilke, and Janice Hickey. Norma loved her son Tadd Wamester and her daughter Sarah Wamester Bares and her two favorite son-in-laws, Thomas Mitchell and William Bares. She delighted in her grandchildren, Minna and Henry Bares. Norma was the daughter of Harry Schilke and Ruth Youknat Schilke. She enjoyed fishing, gardening, birdwatching (especially hummingbirds), hiking, camping, swimming, entertaining friends and cooking gourmet meals. Norma attended Woodrow Wilson High School in Middletown, CT, and Concordia College, in Bronxville, NY. She began her career teaching at Brewster School in Durham, CT, where she was the first female teacher to wear pants to teach, instead of a skirt. Norma lived life on her own terms, and was seldom idle, as she preferred to lend a helping hand to others. After taking time to raise her children, Norma worked at Louis Koff and Artisan Jewelers in Middletown and USPS in Durham and Guilford, before taking on staff roles at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History and later Davenport College at Yale. Over her life she had an incredibly positive impact on many students and her community. After retiring, Norma spent many happy years in Anna Maria and Bradenton, FL, and enjoyed summers at Lake Hayward, CT. Norma and those who love her wish to express our profound gratitude to her surgeon and oncologist, Dr. Elena Ratner and the entire team at Smilow Cancer Center, for having given her the gift of more time to be present with her loved ones. Because Norma was happiest among her flowers and in the natural world, her family would ask that you plant a flower in her memory in your own garden to enjoy for years to come. In lieu of funeral flowers, please send any memorial gifts in her memory to Smilow Cancer Center's Closer to Free Fund, YNNH Development, P.O. Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508. A memorial service will be held for family at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hartford Courant on Jun. 18, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Norma Wamester

Sponsored by the family.

11 Entries

Charlyn and Bob Montie

October 16, 2023

So sorry to hear of your loss. Your mom was such a sweet and loving person.

Judy Stein Black

September 7, 2023

I met Norma at Concordia College in the mid sixties. We became fast friends and never strayed far from each other. Norma and I had many adventures together; some not much appreciated by the school's staff, but oh so much fun. We seldom let a good time pass us by. I met Bill once on a double date for Concordia's annual Sadie Hawkins weekend.

Sweet dreams dear friend.

Linda and Bill Smith of Lakeside, Ohio

August 19, 2023

Bill and Linda Smith extend their sympathies to Bill and Family on your loss of Norma. We spent many a winter playing Bridge games at each other houses! She was truly a flower in life as she bloomed wherever she found herself!

Joanne Schilke

August 11, 2023

I just learned of Norma´s passing today. I am so sorry for your loss. She was such a creative and energetic woman with lots of talent. You have wonderful memories which your family will cherish and be comforted.
Thinking of you at this sad time.

Marcy Klattenberg

July 23, 2023

Dear Bill, Sarah and Tadd,

I only just learned of Norma´s death and want you all to know how sad it makes me feel. I haven´t seen any of you for a long time but memories of all those years in Girl Scouts have just come flooding back. Camping in 30 F, Thanksgiving dinners prepared over an open campfire in my backyard are just a few. Please know how truly sorry I am, she will be missed.

Marcy and Ron Klattenberg

Ray Hubbard

July 21, 2023

I taught in District 13 at Chestnut Hill School at the same time Norma was at Brewster. I would see the Wamester Family on the Oyster River across from my cottage in Old Saybrook. May Norma Rest in Peace.

The Agostinis and The Bulletts

Planted Trees

Mary Marz at GDLC

June 22, 2023

Norma Wamester now has a Heavenly Birthday on June 10th. May she rest in peace in her Heavenly home.

Anya Enright

June 20, 2023

Peace to your soul, Ms. Norma Wamester.

Joanne Johnson

June 19, 2023

My deepest sympathy to the Family of Norma. Thank you for sharing Norma´s life with us. She certainly has made a beautiful impact on many lives. I only wish I met the Wamester´s sooner.
I will keep Bill and the Family in my prayers during this difficult time. I´m going to be sure to plant a beautiful flowering plant in her memory

Susan Bjornberg

June 18, 2023

Norma was a special person in our lives. Her knowledge of Flowers and plants was amazing and she was a terrific hostess of many family gatherings. She fought a long, hard battle and never complained. We will miss her terribly! I am planting a Columbine in my yard in honor of Norma.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results