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BORN
1951
DIED
2017
Norma Murray Obituary
Murray
Norma Fleming Murray passed away on Sept. 23, 2017 after a recurrence of cancer. She was born on November 29, 1951, in Columbus, Georgia, to the late F. Douglas and Shirley Fleming.
Norma is survived by her husband of 43 years, Patrick, her daughters Meghan and Caitlin, her sons-in-law Bob and Tim, her grandsons Emmett, Colin, and Jack, and her granddog, Alfie.
Norma opened her first restaurant, Norma's Potpourri Café, in D.H. Holmes in 1988. She later opened four additional restaurants in downtown Pensacola and published her cookbook, As Always: Recipes and Remembrances from Norma's. Together with Pat, she envisioned and built Lee House Bed & Breakfast Inn. For almost 30 years, Norma fed the people of Pensacola and shared her love through her food and her gracious hospitality.
A Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance will be held Saturday, Sept. 30th at 11 AM at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Gulf Breeze.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Loaves & Fishes Soup Kitchen.
Express your condolences in our guestbook at pnj.com/obits
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Memories and Condolences
for Norma Murray
Nettie Eaton
October 22, 2017
She was one of the kindest and most compassionate individuals I have ever met. I loved her smile and sincere attitude. She was a pillar-of-the Pensacola-community.
Susan Bridges
October 20, 2017
So sorry to hear of the passing of this very lovely woman. I am a long time customer of Norma's and have loved her food which has graced this town. Blessings and sympathy to her family. She was, and still is, an angel.
October 18, 2017
Norma was a warm wonderful woman. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this trying time. Norma was a class act that will be sorely missed.
Matthew DiPilato
October 12, 2017
Norma you will be missed. I'm so grateful I had the pleasure of knowing you and your family. Working at Norma's was my first job out of High School and living on my own. You took chances on me, and gave me opportunity. You provided for me, and showed me responsibility. You were tough yet very fair. I have such fond memories of working there for 6+ years. I'll never forget the day you took a chance on me and risked your own skin for me. As a young man I had no credit, and at the time my parents didn't encourage me having any. You knew I was responsible with what you trusted me to do, and you spoke to the branch manager of my bank, and told him he needed to do what ever he needed to do to get me a credit card. You may not have ever known how much that meant to me, but it was huge. Thank you for caring, and helping me along. You will not only be missed by those who you were closest to in your friends, and family, but by all you reached through your business. To the Murray family: my sincerest sympathies during this time of loss.
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Renee Davidson
October 11, 2017
Dr. Murray, Caitlin and Megan I am so sorry to hear about Norma my condolences to all of you. She will truly be missed she was a wonderful person. I remember when she came to the office in Gulf Breeze with two different color shoes on, because she had to get dressed in the dark. And want Dr. Murray to go to the house to get her shoes. She was just a fun awesome lady I remember her well.
Melissa Sikorski
October 11, 2017
I haven't lived in Pensacola for 5 years now, but Norma's was one of my favorite restaurants for lunch. Recently read an article about her journey and the great support she revived from her husband as his military career wound down--I believe he said something like "it's your turn now." Sad to hear she passed away. Blessings and love to the family.
Stacey Hazzard Griffin
October 8, 2017
I was an employee of Norma's for 20 + years before I decided to pursue other things. When I got the call. I was deflated. Still grieving the loss of my Dad 2 years ago of Cancer in the exact same month of Norma's passing, and mothernlaw's passing about 4 days after Norma. It was a bit too much for me so I decided not to attend Norma's funeral. Dr. Murray, Meghan, and Caitlin, We had fun. I so much wanted to be there but I was much needed to comfort my husband during his time of grieving for his mom as well. If it wasn't for Norma, I wouldn't have what I have today. I am so glad that I Thanked her for that. She was a wonderful lady and I'm still in disbelief that she's not here in the physical sense but to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. I believe that. She was like a second mom who gave me so much advice and I listened. She told me so many other things about life that I would rather keep to myself. Those times were my private times with her. I will always cherish those little moments. With that being said, Rest assure that Norma is not far away. Just look in your heart. Believe me, She is alive and well in Christ. Stay at Peace. Keeping you all in prayer.
Barbara Dykes
October 1, 2017
Loved going for Normas bread pudding. Have her recipe. Used to be nurse at Pediatric Assts with Dr. Murray.prayers for entire family.
Natalie Sangfield-Jenkins
October 1, 2017
RIP Norma
Caitlin M
September 29, 2017
My six-year-old daughter and I loved visiting with Mrs. Norma, and she always treated my girl to an extra poppyseed bread as we were leaving and said one for the road. When I was pregnant with my 2nd child, the baby was sick and we had to have weekly ultrasounds. As our baby began to heal (by the grace of God), our tradition was to celebrate with lunch at Norma's. During a hard time, going in to her restaurant was our place of celebration and joy, and it has always held such wonderful sentimental value to our little family. And when we welcomed a perfectly healthy baby, we brought her to the restaurant and shed a few happy tears about our journey. Every time we step foot in Norma's, it feels like home. She was so welcoming, and kind, and it was an honor to have been acquainted with her. Prayers for the family, whom she always beamed when talking about. She was so adored by many.
Jackie Marquess
September 29, 2017
Just heartbroken to hear of Norma's passing. The world has lost a sweet and kind and very special woman. She will be so very missed.
Debra McCorvey
September 29, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with the Murray family during your hour of bereavement. I worked with Norma at Dillards years ago and she was such a sweet lady! "Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal!"
Robyne Peacock
September 29, 2017
Ms. Norma was so kind when I met her. I remember eating at her restaurant in the mall. The Lee House is such a beautiful addition to our city. We are lucky for all she contributed to Pensacola. Her friends and family are in my prayers.
Elizabeth Guisasola
September 29, 2017
Although we have enjoyed Norma's restaurants for years, it was not until she opened Norma's at Duh, across the street from our business, that we got to know her personally. We became friends with her after working on some projects with her for her home, and running over to pick up lunch. She even sent lunch over to us one day, as a thanks for working on a special chair for her daughter, when one of her grandson's (I think Jack) was being born. Last week, when I went over to pick up lunch, I noticed that she wasn't there, as she always was with a huge smile on her face. Our hearts were broken when we heard of her passing. She was such a wonderful, special, kind and friendly person. So many people have mentioned the word gracious, and she truly was! We will miss her greatly, as so many will. We are praying for all of her friends and family.
Lloyd and Elizabeth Guisasola
Classy Interior Fabrics
Sharlene Wingate
September 28, 2017
I am so sorry about Norma's passing... Everyone loved "Norma's" so much! She will be missed by many! ♡
Linda Lee-Edwards
September 28, 2017
Dr. Murray and Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. What wonderful memories you have to treasure of Norma who was such a wonderful, delightful, and caring person. Have known you both over 30+ years, Pediatric Associates services for sons, CPT and enjoyed Norma's delicious foods over the years. You are in my family thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
September 28, 2017
With deepest sympathy. Praying for peace & comfort.
Debbie & Terry Chavers
Dinah Tuten
September 27, 2017
RIP Norma, what a sweet and gracious person, always a smile and a kind word when we crossed paths. May God give your family strength at this time. Dinah Tuten
Katherine Brown
September 27, 2017
Almost six years ago, my family stayed at The Lee House for the wedding of our daughter. Norma was the most gracious hostess. Our father (grandfather of the bride) was able to attend because of the accommodations The Lee House offered. He was 88 and battling cancer. It was the last time our entire family was together.
There will always be a special place in our hearts for Norma. She was an angel on earth and now is an angel in heaven.
September 27, 2017
Pat and girls,
Frankie and I were so surprised and saddened to hear of Norma's passing. She was such a kind and gentle spirit. We will miss her.
May the Lord be with you and your family in this time of grief. I know that He has welcomed Norma into His arms in His Eternal Kingdom.
Brooks Hodnette
Jeanne Barnes
September 27, 2017
Norma was such an inspiration to all of us. She was known around GBHS for her kind ways, her wonderful muffins and most of all, as the mother of two sweet daughters. She will be missed by so many.
Denise Schweich
September 27, 2017
I didn't know Norma personally, but I often enjoyed her fabulous bread pudding and poppyseed bread. All anyone had to do was just mention her by her first name. Rest in peace, Norma.
Sincerely,
Denise Schweich
J. Gregory Griffin
September 27, 2017
I too, thought Norma was such a gentle spirit! So vogue, kind, energetic, urbane and cosmopolitan!! I too, will not forget her regards for genuine hospitality by percept and example. Her enterprising essence and fortitude will forever be etched in my memory!!!
May God continue to bless her soul and bring much consolation to those she loved, dearly. Ache'
Camille Barr
September 27, 2017
Norma was one of my favorite people in this city, always smiling and welcoming! I cannot imagine Pensacola without her!
I will always be grateful for her talent of cooking and her love of people; she will be missed by so many!
My heartfelt condolences to her family.
Camille Barr
Ann Beard Etier
September 27, 2017
I am saddened to hear of Norma's passing. I am honored to have spent a year working at her Dillard's cafe. She was a savvy and intelligent business owner and kind lady. I was a young woman with lofty but still "to be determined" career goals; it was good to have her as an example and see her running such a successful business. I glad to have known and worked for Norma.
Teresa Wiseman-Gilroy
September 27, 2017
What a great loss this is. Norma was a gracious, funny and talented woman. She was the epitome of Southern charm in her food, design, and personality. And one smart cookie. God Bless you in your loss.
Cindy Weimer
September 27, 2017
Our deepest sympathies to Dr Murray and family. Sending prayers of strength and comfort to you all.
Much love, the Weimer Family,
Cindy, Bernie, Jon, Zachary, and Ian
Amy & Peter Clarke
September 27, 2017
My Husband and I extend our deepest sympathy in the passing of such a special lady. We had our Wedding Reception at The Lee House & Norma made our day very special. She Will missed by so many family and friends. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers✝❤
September 27, 2017
What a wonderful lady. Always my favorite place to eat and favorite food. So sad. She will certainly be missed along with her smile and graciousness. From a devoted customer. Gaye Moss
KATHARINE KNIGHT
September 27, 2017
All my love to Pat and the girls ... prayers going up to surround you with comfort in your grief
Come visit me in Western North Carolina when you need a break
Sherry English
September 27, 2017
So schocked and saddened to hear of Norma's passing. I worked for her years ago at Norma's in Dillard's. Such a kind, gracious person. It was a pleasure working for her and I have many good memories. Keeping all of her family and current staff in my thoughts and prayers! She spoke of her family often and her deep love for her husband and children was always very obvious. I loved listening to her stories of she and her husband's sailing adventures. Norma's smile could light up a room and it will be dearly missed. Rest In Peace Norma.
Sincerely,
Sherry English
September 27, 2017
Ruth and I extend our deepest sympathy. She was a wonderful lady and I will always treasure her friendship,
Sincerely,
Ed Chadbourne
Martha Mallett
September 27, 2017
A "Mighty Girl" whom we will all miss terribly! In her own understated way Norma made a monumental difference as she served Pensacolians delicious food and beautifully renovated landmark properties to house her restaurants. Love and condolences to her dear family.
Donna Toyama
September 27, 2017
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Norma. She was a lovely person and was always so kind when we ran into her. She certainly was an icon in this community and will be missed by many. Prayers of comfort to the family.
Carre Rone Whiting
September 27, 2017
Our hearts are breaking for such a great loss. I know she would have had even so much more to give. She was my parents neighbor for many years. I had my wedding reception in their back yard and I was a blessed new bride to have the best caterer in Pensacola living next door. She was the reason my wedding was so special to me and so many people that still talked about it to me over the years.
She was like an "aunt" and first boss to my little brother. And over the next 24 years, she remained to us an example of a loving, brilliant, strong, hard working, creative, graceful, southern lady, mother and entrepreneur. I was always excited to see what she would do next. In my memory, every time I got to see her, she was always smiling so big on the verge of laughing.
It's so hard to write this through so many tears.
I know she would want us to celebrate her life.
Nelson and I grieve with you and trust in God that He will send comfort.
Heather Schultz
September 27, 2017
So very sorry to hear about Norman's passing. She was a wonderful woman, cook, and business owner. My thoughts are with her family.
DIANE Fitzpatrick
September 27, 2017
I only met Norma one time, but she was a lady I will never forget. She came across to me as a very strong woman with a gentle spirit. She gave me advice regarding catering and said to call her if I had any questions. She talked about her cancer and her family and how they had worked together to make The Lee House happen. Dr Murray had been all of my children's pediatrician. My heart goes out to this family for the loss of this very amazing woman. Love and prayers being sent your way.
Shyla
September 27, 2017
I worked for Norma at Dillard's. So sad to hear about her passing. She was always wonderful to me. I remember her as a hard worker with a lot of vision and the best food. She will be missed.
Vickie Gomez Gesellschap
September 27, 2017
Meghan and Caitlin, I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. She was a wonderful person. May you find peace in knowing she now your guardian angel. With love, Vickie Gomez Gesellschap
September 26, 2017
When I met Norma she was acquiring the Lee House property near my office. I recognized her from Tampa Fl where we both had lived. We lived in the same neighborhood and went to the same private school, The Academy of Holy Names, in the 1960's. So ironic to think we would formally meet here in Pensacola living once again in the same neighborhood. I would think there is a secret language of Tampa girls that channels us to live and love this Pensacola-Gulf Breeze community . A calling or whisper that makes one commit. Be it Beach Park or Bayshore Blvd Tampa , Be it Old Seville Sq and Bayfront Parkway, Pensacola, this kindred neighbor and entrepreneur will be missed. She set the bar and AS ALWAYS served and hosted mankind with great care, recipes and thought. She will be missed. Condolences to Pat and her family and friends. Kathy Tanner
Betty Weber
September 26, 2017
My heart is breaking for the family of this sweet lady whom I've known for years, she was always accommodating,helpful and greeted you with a warm and pleasant smile and always complimentary and appreciated others. I will miss you Norma,you're a rock star in my book!
Anna Lohr (Kenniff)
September 26, 2017
I love Norma Murray & she will be missed. Both of my kids worked for Norma at Dillards & I so appreciated how good she was to them. RIP Norma
Richard Hawkins
September 26, 2017
My memory of Norma is not a usual one. She contacted me once when we had never met because she wanted my input on a Lee House business plan. At that time, she did not have city approval for it.
Per my usual, I poked holes in the the plan. But Norma was stronger than I realized, each plan weakness that I identified wasn't that big of a challenge for her. She reminded me of this repeatedly over the years and often before special dinners at the Lee House. But in a good-natured way.
That was the Norma I knew and I will miss her!
An Hayward
September 26, 2017
I'm so heartbroken to hear this very sad news. We will miss you Norma, may you Rest In Peace.
September 26, 2017
Such a wonderful person. I remember all her restaurants as we went to all of them. The bed and breakfast is fabulous. Pensacola is so lucky to have Norma!!!!
September 26, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Worked at DhHolmes and Dillard's with Norma. A very special lady and friend. Barbara Phipps
Amber
September 26, 2017
I worked with Norma at the Lee house and she did all she could to help our small business grow. She was a lovely, strong woman and I will remember her kindness and forever be grateful for all she did for me and those around her.
September 26, 2017
Norma helped make the wedding of our daughter memorable . She was so kind.. Our condolences to the family.
Brenda Creel
Jerry Mistretta
September 26, 2017
I'm so saddened after hearing the passing of a Pensacola legend. She was a kind & caring person & put her heart & soul into everything she did. She will be truly missed! Rest in Peace Norma.
Sylvia Jarrett
September 26, 2017
Our family is so sad to learn of the loss of Norma Murray. Norma was a wonderful person who loved her family and was kind to everyone. The Gulf Breeze and Pensacola area was blessed to have her in our community and she will be sorely missed. Our prayers and love go out to her husband, her lovely daughters, sons-in-law, and the beautiful grandchildren who she loved so much. She will be missed by many!
Marie Clark
September 26, 2017
Norma- a true lady of the South. She will be greatly missed.
Rivera Family
September 26, 2017
So very sad to hear this news. She was always so kind.
Alyssa and Benjamin Glenn
September 26, 2017
Our hearts and prayers go out to your family during this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss.
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