Norma DeSarno

Norma DeSarno
WATKINS GLEN-It is with profound sadness that the family of Norma DeSarno announces her passing on Tuesday night, February 14, 2012 at the age of 94 ½ years. The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Saturday (Feb. 18th) from 2-4pm. A funeral service will follow at 4:00pm. Norma was born in Charles City, Iowa on July 3, 1917 to Forest and Lillian (Coly) Holmes. She was predeceased by her husband, William J. (Bill) DeSarno, and son, Francis J. DeSarno, also her siblings, James Holmes, William Holmes and Wanda Holmes Root, Quentin Holmes, and Donald Holmes. She is survived by her children, William J. DeSarno Jr. (Phyllis), N. Yvonne Overbeck, Quentin L. DeSarno (Carol), Phyllisa A. DeSarno (Peter Widynski). Also, by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. She and Bill were business owners of DeSarno’s Liquor Store in Watkins Glen for nearly 40 years. Later in life, Norma was a real estate salesperson for Shoemaker Real Estate, retiring in her early 80’s. She was always warm and welcoming to all she met and generous to a fault. Her cooking talents were well known and it was by far her most favorite time to be in her kitchen whipping up the most fantastic meals. Norma arrived in Montour Falls with her entire family in 1926, having traveled by train from Iowa. Her uncle came to the train station in a horse and buggy to gather them for the trip up to Gano Road to the family farm. Norma was just 9 years old, but she remembered that ride up the steep hills, which she had never experienced in the flat lands of Iowa. Norma will be remembered for her extremely joyful manner and for her good hearted gestures to everyone she came in contact with. All her children will attest to her being honest and good to every friend or character they brought home. Many of those friends can recall the best meals they shared at the home of Norma DeSarno. She also had some very funny stories about her experiences at the liquor store. She rarely spoke a negative word and certainly is a role model for the power of positive acts and positive thinking. She will be dearly missed by so many family and friends. The family asks that donations be made to the Schuyler County Humane Society, as Norma loved animals as much as she loved people. You may express condolences to the family or “Light A Candle” in her memory online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.