Norma Crego Baldassarre, 94, of Watkins Glen, NY, passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2018. Norma was born on November 23, 1923 in Covington, PA, the daughter of the late Stanley and Lora Crego.
Norma graduated from Watkins Glen High School in 1939 and attended Elmira Business School. After graduating she worked for several years at Glen National Bank. She married Rocco Macri on September 14, 1947, and after his death, married her devoted husband of 38 ½ years, George Baldassarre. Norma worked as the assistant to the principal of Watkins Glen High School, but spent most of her professional life as the Treasurer of the Watkins Glen School District.
Norma was also a very active community member. She served on the Session at the Watkins Glen First Presbyterian Church, taught Sunday School there for years and received the Woman of Faith Award in 2008. She was also a 4-H leader, served as Treasurer of the Friends of the Watkins Glen Library, and volunteered at R.S.V.P. and Schuyler Hospital. Norma loved living in Watkins Glen, choosing to stay there even in her retirement. Norma lived a full and joyful life. She had many passions and talents that she pursued throughout the years. She loved working in her flower garden, was universally considered to be the best pie maker around, was an avid bowler, a loyal member of the 39er’s Club, enjoyed reading, playing euchre, supporting the Yankees with her husband, George, and especially loved spending time with her family.
Norma is predeceased by her parents, Stanley and Lora Crego; her first husband, Rocco Macri; son, Paul Macri, and sister, Lola Mae Crego. She is survived by her loving husband, George Baldassarre; son, John Macri (Darlene Sanford) of Horseheads, NY; daughter, Lora (Klaas) Schilder of Clinton, NY; step-daughters, Roann (Tim) Dermady of Watertown, NY and Joan Bartosz (and partner Ron DiNitto) of Forest City, NC; step-son, Frank (Jeanne) Baldassarre of Spokane, WA; sister, Ruth Benson of Los Angeles, CA; 13 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends at Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Saturday, January 6, 2018 from 2-4pm; followed by a funeral service at 4pm at the funeral home; Rev. Cara S. Milner officiating. Burial will be at Pleasant View Cemetery in Reading Center in the spring.
In appreciation of her love of reading, please consider a memorial donation in her memory to the Friends of Watkins Library (FOWL), c/o Watkins Glen Public Library, 610 S. Decatur St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891. You may express condolences to the family or “Light a Candle of Remembrance” online in Norma’s memory at www.RoyceChedzoy.com