Norma Jane DeForest

Norma Jane (Locke) DeForest

August 8, 1936 – July 1, 2025

Norma J. DeForest, 88, formerly of Newark Valley, passed away on July 1, 2025, at Wilson Regional Medical Center, following a brief illness. Born on August 8, 1936, in South Otselic, New York, Norma was a daughter of the late Clyde and Hazel (Cook) Locke.

She will be greatly missed by her children: Carol Rhodes and her husband Rory; Robert DeForest III and his wife Kim; Michele La Comb and her husband Stanley, grandchildren: Trevor (Lauren) Rhodes, Tyler Rhodes, Jamie (Dylan) Heiman, Emily DeForest, Rachel DeForest, Robert (Anna) DeForest ; Jennifer La Comb (Michael Bovier) and Jeffrey La Comb, her great grandchildren: Ethan Heiman, William Heiman, and Mary Ellen Rhodes, as well as several nieces and nephews and their families.

In addition to her parents, Norma was predeceased by her husband Robert ‘Bob’ DeForest, her sisters-in-law: Jane Sheldon and Gertrude Gage, and her brothers-in-law: Olin, Alfred and Sheldon DeForest.

An avid fan of Syracuse Basketball, Norma was always ready for March Madness with her brackets in hand. In addition to basketball Norma could also be found watching golf, keeping tabs on everyone’s scores throughout the season.

Her love for sports was only matched by her love for the outdoors. Norma and her late husband Bob always enjoyed tending to their garden, especially their daylilies and irises. It was there that she also found peace and solace in watching the birds. She also held a special affinity for horses, the bond she shared with them was a source of joy throughout her life.

Known for her meticulous appearance, Norma believed in the importance of presenting oneself with elegance and poise. Whether it was a family gathering for a birthday party or you were stopping by for a slice of one of her famous pies, she was always well dressed with thought and love in every outfit.

Above all, Norma’s joy was found with her family, especially embracing her role as a grandmother with all her heart.

Friends and relatives are invited to a period of visitation on Wednesday July 9, 2025, at the MacPherson Funeral Home, 5 Whig Street, Newark Valley, NY from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Hope Cemetery in Newark Valley, where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband Robert. Memories and condolences can be shared in her online guestbook at www.macphersonfh.com