Carol Ann Norcia

Carol Ann Norcia, 83, of Canton, OH, went to her heavenly home on February 19, 2025. She was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She had a strong faith and loved Jesus as her warm heart was a shining light for all who knew her. Her smile and relentless energy would brighten up the room.
Carol was born to the late Howard R. Gustafson and Helen (Rinkowski) Fordosi on December 24, 1941. She was a loving wife to her husband, Anthony J. Norcia of 62 years. As she had a heart of service, she frequently volunteered, especially with her husband with the Canton Ex-Newsboys as they shared their passion to help children. She was put into the Ex-Newsboys Hall of Fame in 2020. She had a very giving spirit while asking little in return. She especially cared for animals, including her pet birds and beloved dog.
She was employed part-time in the office at Sommer Electric Company working beside her husband. She was a substitute teacher in the Perry schools and enjoyed teaching grade school children catechism at St. Joan of Arc Church, Guardian Angels Parish where she was a member.
Being a mother to three daughters was her life's calling. Actively engaging in their lives, teaching them to love and to never give up, was the greatest achievement she accomplished. She always enjoyed simple, family vacations. She cherished time with her grandchildren as they brought her much joy and laughter. She was actively involved in her grandchildren's lives.
The simplest pleasures in life brought her great joy. Singing oldies in the kitchen, she loved cooking and baking, creating delicious meals for her family and community. She was blessed with a green thumb as seen with her beautiful flower gardens. As she was extremely creative, she enjoyed doing crafts and sewing projects. Being a handywoman, you could find her doing tasks such as building a closet or shingling a roof. The sky was the limit; she could do anything; never slowing down for an obstacle in her path or backing away from a challenge. She always kept trying until she could succeed, and would proudly make the best of all situations with an eager and generous heart. She loved life and learning; traveling and meeting others; she was known to embrace all things with open arms and will be dearly missed.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Anthony J. Norcia; her stepfather, John Fordosi; her sister, Barbara Bender; her sister and brother-in-law, Loran M. Oswald and John C. Oswald; and her brother, John Fordosi Jr.
Carol is survived by her three daughters and brothers-in-law, Jo (Ken) Jarosz, Sue Norcia, and Deb (Earl) Jones; her brother-in-law, Mark Bender; five grandchildren: John, Matthew, Alexis, Nathan, and Anthony (Trina), and great-grandchildren: Lewis and Benson.
In following Carol's wishes, there will be no formal services; instead she would like those who knew her to celebrate her life each day with the memories they shared. Memorial Masses will be held throughout the year at St. Joan of Arc Church, Guardian Angels Parish, beginning March 22, 2025 at 9:30 AM for those who would like to share in prayer. The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the compassionate staff at Summa Health Hospice Care. We, also, are grateful for her dedicated private duty CNAs, Antoinette and Nakita. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Canton Ex-Newsboys. Please visit www.reedfuneralhome.com to sign the online guestbook.