Norma Chiaramonte
August 26, 1929 ~ April 19, 2019
Norma J. (aka Sloane) Chiaramonte passed away on April 19, 2019. There will be a visitation from 4-7 p.m., on Thursday, April 25, 2019, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. on Friday, April 26, 2019, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church by Father Christopher Podhajsky. Mrs. Chiaramonte was a member of Immaculate Conception Church for over 60 years. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.
Born in Dyersville, Iowa, she was the daughter of Leo and Loretta (Tobin) Soppe. She was married to Joe Chiaramonte in 1952. They later divorced. She is survived by eight children. Ann (Michael) Herzberger, Lyn Chiaramonte, Jane Chiaramonte, Dina (Michael) Fox, Toni (Tony) Kautz, all of Cedar Rapids, Joe (Sharon) Chiaramonte, Jr. of Marion, Gail Chiaramonte of Des Moines, and David (Sharon) Chiaramonte of Spring Hill, Florida. Three sisters also survive her: Kathleen Scherrman of Colorado, Velma (Mick) McMahon, and Janet (Jack) Felderman of Dubuque. Two sisters, Wilma Nugent Card and Mary Anne Donnelly, preceded her in death, as did her brothers-in-law, John Donnelly and James Scherrman, and her son, Michael. She is also survived by her 15 grandchildren: Katie (Bernard) Frazier, Jennifer (Mike) Sebetka, Ryan Herzberger, Shae (Bree) Ary, Savanah (Travis) LaKose, Revan Chiaramonte, Taylor and Carly Fox, Natalie, Nicole, Vincent, Vanessa and Tiffany Chiaramonte, Krystal Gaudig, and Jacy Jean Chiaramonte. Twenty-three great-grandchildren also survive.
Norma was employed for almost 30 years by the Cedar Rapids School District; eight years at Metro High School, and twenty-one years at Washington High School. She throroughly loved being a secretary and was always happy working for Dr. Ralph Plagman, WHS Principal.
She was a charter member of the Classified Employee Council, served on the Calendar Committee and the Public Relations Advisory Committee, was a past president and past secretary to the Cedar Rapids Association of Educational Office Professionals (CRAEOP), a past member of the Iowa Association of Educational Office Professionals (IAEOP) and of the National Association of Education Office Professionals (NAEOP).
She loved the Chicago Bulls, disliked Kobe and LeBron, and enjoyed playing poker with Rose, Liz, Kay, Shirley, Karen, and Jack. She was a life-long reader, especially in the mystery genre. She never 'met' a casino she didn't like. She spent many enjoyable (and sometimes lucrative) hours playing cards and bingo.
Her children are her pride and joy. Nothing gave her more pleasure than a movie with one or two of them, playing Liverpool Rummy with them, or enjoying dinner/breakfast with as many of them as possible! 'Nine' was never as close to ten as it was to Mom!
Memorials can be made to Birthright, Cedar Rapids, or to the family in care of Joe Chiaramonte, 1675 James Drive, Marion, Iowa 52302.
Please share your support and memories with Norma's family on her tribute wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.
'' grieve not, nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk of me as if I were beside you'I loved you so - 'twas heaven here with you.'
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We are so sorry , sending our thoughts and prayers Dan & Barb Klimesh
We are very sorry for your loss. We will remember Norma as a great lady with a big heart, funny and always in good spirits. Our thoughts are with her family and close friends. Rick & Pam Kolosick
Norma was a beautiful person whom always treated me as she would her own children. I always think of the nights of BINGO and her funniness. I am celebrating her life as well as mourning her family’s loss with her passing. May God cradle you in his arms. Love, Machelle Bryan
My grandma always told me that she was going to be one of the richest people in heaven bc “God measures wealth by family size!” Growing up with her as my all time hero was priceless. I will always treasure every moment I had with her and every written letter I received from her signed “Thinking of you often and loving you always!” She knew exactly what to say to make you feel loved and understood. Grandma had a way of life that is inspiring to all. She never spoke ill of anyone (beside Labrone and Kobe) and she handled difficult situation with grace. She is and always will be the best person I have ever known!
To the Chiaramonte Family: Please accept our condolences on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this most difficult time. We hope that comfort and peace come to you. We know that she will truly be missed. May God bless all of you. Jim and Carol Voss
Dina & family, Sincere & deepest sympathy for the loss of your mom. Keep your memories close to help soothe your grieving hearts and comfort you in the days ahead. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Much Love, Rhonda & Dan Koppenhaver
Norma was a friend to all, and especially Mary Jane and me. She was dedicated to her job, her family, her friends and always to the students in the school. I had many interactions with her and knew her to be a great person and an asset to the school. We join in celebrating her life. She made a difference. God Bless her and all those she touched with her kindness. Mary Jane and William C. Jacobson
Norma was my secretary for many years, but professional colleague would more accurately describe our relationship. Not that she wasn’t the quintessential secretary! She could take dictation at amazing speed with impeccable accuracy, type with lightning speed, and edit with extraordinary skill. Her command of English grammar and usage, punctuation, and spelling always impressed. In fact, she is probably editing this post right now! But Norma’s role in my life extended far beyond her secretarial duties. I valued her opinions on many topics, laughed at her wit, appreciated her intense loyalty, and treasured her friendship. In the mid-1970s, Norma applied for a secretarial position at Metro High School. She had not been employed outside of her home for many years, but I thought that any mom who had successfully raised eight children could handle any tasks that I assigned to her. I offered her the position, and I have never made a better decision in 37 years as a school administrator!
Joe and Sharon and family, you are in our hearts and prayers. Dennis and Betsy Boudreau
Joe and Sharon, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
We will always have fond memories of Norma, our next-door neighbor. Forever cheerful, friendly, helpful, kind, she was a living example of the kind of person and Christian we aspire to be. She will be missed by anyone who knew her. Our condolences and prayers to the Chiaramonte Family for the loss you are feeling. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Glen Holt & Family
Norma always had a smile on her face, and kind words for everyone. She will be greatly missed . My heart goes out to her family and friends
Bingo cards will always bring a smile and memories of Friday night’s playing bingo with the Chiaramonte girls, Norma being one of them. Never understood how someone could be so darn good other than being a clever fox, not to be underestimated. Norma was timeless, I swear she did not age the 51 years of knowing her. The Holt family next door was blessed with knowing and living next to a great woman who raised an exceptional family. Norma had a big heart and always greeted you with a warm smile, you always felt at home in the Chiaramonte house. I think everyone of the 7 Holt kids could probably testify Norma was in cahoots with and was just an extension of their own mother, always one step ahead. Thank you for a childhood of great memories and chocolate chip cookies! Norma will be greatly missed!
I babysat for the Chiaramonte kids often when I was in high school. I knew the family from I.C. and loved it when Norma called me to take care of the kids. She always had everything so organized! Everybody would be in their pajamas before I got there and she always reminded them to be good before she and Joe left the house. I used to run into her sometimes when I was in Cedar Rapids and it was always so good to see her. She would catch me up on all the kids and seemed so happy. I always admired her. My sympathy to her family.
I’m very sad to learn of our longtime neighbor and indomitable spirit, Mrs. Chiaramonte’s untimely passing. Norma was a respected Cornerstone of the entire neighborhood. She welcomed and watched over all of us neighbor kids while playing outside or in her well run home and often found room for me at her table during meal times. I have many fond memories of her distinctive laugh, quick wit and humor, yummy meals and stern instruction when I needed it. I view Norma as very smart, kind, tough and courageous woman and valuable member of the CR Community. I’ll always be grateful to her for being such a positive influence in my life and a very dear lifelong friend to my beloved mother, Eris.
I am sorry I could not be present at Norma’s memorial. I remember Norma as kind, easy going but firm, and always had a smile for you. She always welcomed me in to her home and seemed a pillar of strength. I always looked up to her. She raised a nice family and my best childhood memories are surrounded by the Chiaramonte family. Rest in peace Norma Theresa (Holt) Gosslee