Norma McCormack Tappan

Norma McCormack Tappan, 81, of Lake Wales, Florida, entered eternal rest on January 24, 2025. Norma was born in Andalusia, Alabama on November 9,1943. Her childhood was spent in St. Petersburg, Florida, as the eldest of six children. Norma was a graduate of St. Petersburg High in 1961 and entered SPJC that same year. She had to interrupt her college education after getting married and having her son, Phillip. Norma started her professional career at Florida Power Corporation after her divorce. She managed to coordinate a busy work schedule, evening classes and the responsibility of being a single parent. She joined the Naval Reserve in 1985 and began serving as a Legalman until her Naval Reserve retirement in 2005. Her academic goal of obtaining a college degree came to fruition in 1987 when she finally received her MBA while continuing to work full time and raise her son. She met and married the love of her life, James Tappan, that same year. Her career as a Paralegal Secretary at Florida Power ended in 2005 after 35 years of service. She was a dedicated and committed employee who consistently went above and beyond, always demonstrating an excellent work ethic. Norma was a tireless worker who had an unwavering commitment and energy in both her professional and personal pursuits. Norma and Jim's retirement years were spent managing investment properties, traveling, fishing, hunting and spending time together until his death in 2021. Her hobbies were baking, gardening and searching for antique treasures at garage sales. She was predeceased by her parents, Saverio and Shellie Scirica, her husband James, her son Phillip, and her brother Anthony. She is survived by her stepson, Jim Tappan, her sisters, Donna, Nina, and Veronica, her brother Christopher, a niece and several nephews.