Norma Fleishell

1927 - 2024

Chester - Norma Deveau Fleishell, a long-time resident of East Lyme, passed away at the age of 96, surrounded by family. She was born to Linda Mary (Cotreau) and Joseph Wallace Deveau at the Home Memorial Hospital in New London.
Norma attended the Harbor School and graduated from the Williams Memorial Institute in 1945, after which she worked as a teller and loan officer at the New London Savings Bank. As a member of St. Joseph's Church in New London, Norma organized a dance for cadets from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. It was at this dance where she met her future husband, James. L. "Jim" Fleishell. Norma and Jim were married in 1951, and immediately embarked on what ultimately became a 30-year tour of North America's East Coast through Jim's service with the U.S. Coast Guard.
Norma and Jim began married life on Staten Island, N.Y., and subsequently, were stationed in Cape May, N.J., Argentia, Newfoundland; Norfolk, Va., Panama City, Fla., Washington, D.C., New Haven, and completed four tours of duty on Governors Island in New York Harbor. Norma embraced the role of a military wife, always ready to pick up and move on to the next duty station, kids and husband in tow. Any concerns about another family upheaval were quickly overcome by the promise of new friends for herself and the kids and the possibility of new adventures for them all. Norma had a knack for recognizing and appreciating the magic and beauty in seemingly everyday events. Sharing those moments with her children and grandchildren was one of her greatest gifts to them.
Norma was amused by tasteful pranks and sharing the resulting laughter with her friends and family. While Norma enjoyed bridge, bowling and playing golf, she was the happiest when she was out on the dance floor. Luckily, Jim's successive tours of duty on Governors Island provided many opportunities for Norma to attend formal balls and dances in New York City. Norma also took full advantage of New York City's cultural scene, including attending many Broadway plays and musicals and visiting the various museums. The nation's Bicentennial, the Tall Ship festivals and rededication of the Statue of Liberty all held special memories for her from her front row seat on Governors Island. Norma had a good eye for identifying the best that the City offered and she relished sharing these treats with visiting family and friends.
Upon Jim's retirement in 1980, they returned to East Lyme. Norma worked for the USCG Academy Alumni Association and held leadership positions in the Officers' Spouses' Club, Thames River Garden Club, and the P.E.O. Sisterhood, an organization that promotes women's higher education. In 2017, Jim and Norma moved to a senior living facility in Chester, where they enjoyed the company of their fellow residents, and the lovely western view off their back patio.
Norma is survived by her four children: James J. of East Lyme, Thomas S. (wife Denise Fallon) of Montville, N.J., Anne D. Fleishell Kelly (husband John) of Wilton, and Mary Lee Fleishell (husband John Tucker) of Medfield, Mass.; and five grandchildren: Christopher, James, Connor, Ellen and Annie. Norma is survived by her brother Ruben G. Deveau and his wife Anne. She is predeceased by her husband James L. Fleishell; and her sister Betty Ann Shrader and Betty's husband Joseph Shrader.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Norma's memory may be made to either the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association at: USCGA Alumni Association, CGA Today Fund, 47 Mohegan Avenue, New London, CT 06320 or https://www.cgaalumni.org, or to the P.E.O. Foundation Fund, P.E.O. Executive Office, Treasurer's Department, 3700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312.
A Funeral Mass celebrating Norma's life is scheduled at 11 a.m. Friday, June 7, at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Chapel in New London. Norma will be interred in the Columbarium at the Academy next to her husband James. (Photo identification is required to access the USCG Academy.)