Norma Margaret Donaldson

Norma Margaret Donaldson was born on March 12, 1928, to Arthur and Elizabeth Marchand Donaldson. Norma was raised in St. Charles Parish with four sisters and one brother. She had a true talent for helping others reach their potential and brought out the best in those who sought her help. Norma was a forward-looking woman whose personality was filled with empathy toward everyone she met. She could be quiet and reserved, but her style of communication was authentic and direct. An excellent communicator, Norma was a master at using imagery when she explained her ideas and concepts. She seemed to have an endless supply of innovative strategies for how to help those around her. Her sensitivity, kindness and generous attitude made her a wonderful friend for all who knew her.  Norma always showed a deep concern for others. She was a giving and caring individual, ethical and full of integrity and warmth.  A good student who was enthusiastic about learning, Norma was considered by many to be a high achiever. She graduated from Destrehan High School in 1945 as salutatorian of her class, and then completed a course of study at Spencer Business College in New Orleans.   Norma projected a subtle but positive influence in her workplace. She was comfortable working behind the scenes to help everyone get the job done, and she worked hard at all times to help others to reach their potential. While her colleagues did not view her as high-spirited, Norma was effective at working with others to gain acceptance for her ideas. Norma could be a perfectionist at times, but wasn’t one to seek out personal recognition. She possessed excellent insight and a strong ability to meet schedules. She was an innovator who worked well independently, and she enjoyed the task of meeting a constant array of challenges. She was employed at Dun and Bradstreet in New Orleans for over 30 years with almost perfect attendance until her retirement in 1986.   Norma was a woman with clear convictions and high principles, and her faith was important to her. She was an inspiration to many people who recognized her sense of commitment and esteem for others. She was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Norco, Louisiana. She was also a member of the Sacred Heart Altar Society, the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and the Nifty-Fifties Plus Club.    Norma passed away on June 7, 2009, at her residence in Norco, Louisiana. She is survived by her brother, Arthur L. Donaldson, Jr. and his wife Elaine. Three sisters; Jeri Donaldson Landry and her husband, Coy; Joyce M. Donaldson and Doris Donaldson Menezes. Nephews: Robert Menezes, Jr. and his wife, Cheryl; Mark Menezes and his wife, Elizabeth and great-nieces, Marisa and Paige; Lewis Menezes and his wife, Sharon and great-nephews, Manny and Christian; Arthur Donaldson, III and his wife, Amy and great-nephew, Arthur, IV; Don Paul Landry; John Landry and his wife, Kimberly and great-nephew, John William, and great-nieces Cecile Marie, Dillon Marie. Nieces; Donah Menezes Barrios and husband, L. J. and great-nephew, Layman and his wife, Alicia and great-great-nephews, Brennen, Chans and Kayden. Great-niece, Jessica and great-great-niece Jolie. Debra Donaldson Calkins and her husband, Scott and great-nephews, Kyle and Steven. Lori Donaldson Dowden; Sharon Donaldson Caughman and her husband, Bill and great-nieces, Katelyn and Kristen. Services were held at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Norco, Louisiana. Norma was laid to rest in St. Charles Borromeo Cemetery in Destrehan.  Though she could be a private person at times, Norma was always able and willing to give of herself. She was so in tune with others that she often seemed able to read their minds. Norma carried with her an almost mystical sense of life. She was a person who was highly original in her thinking and used metaphors and symbols to describe many aspects of her life. A poetic, intuitive “teacher”, Norma Margaret Donaldson shared herself freely. Family and friends will remember Norma for the strength of her convictions.