Norma A Canlon

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Norma Canlon, who left us peacefully on Sunday, May 26th, 2024, surrounded by her children. Norma was born October 2, 1926, to the late Amelia and Julius Fouvy and was raised in New Dorp and attended New Dorp High School. After graduating she worked for Bell Telephone as a switchboard operator. She is predeceased by her younger sister Joyce Helm who passed away in 2019.

Norma was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Edward Canlon, Sr who passed away in 2008. After marrying they resided in New Dorp for a few years before moving to Great Kills. They built a loving family and a life filled with cherished memories for 68 years. Together they had many adventures throughout their lives. In 1979 they opened the former Esquire Club in West Brighton and then in 1985 Canlon’s restaurant in Oakwood. As restaurateurs they greeted their guests with a genuine smile and a hearty welcome making everyone feel at home. They were enthusiastic entertainers, and they threw numerous parties at their home filled with an atmosphere of joy that made every guest feel like a part of their extended family. They were a captivating pair on the dance floor, known for their dancing skills that made a mark on everyone who had the pleasure of watching them. When not on the dance floor they were also engaged in playing doubles on the tennis court.

Norma had many hobbies including being a talented knitter, a creative stained-glass maker, an avid seamstress and had a keen interest in fashion. Her creations were not just crafts but expressions of her love and care, treasured by those fortunate enough to receive them. She also enjoyed reading and solving crossword puzzles. She was involved in fund raising for the March of Dimes, was a member of the Richmond Town Auxiliary Club, and the Richmond County Yacht club and a volunteer for the Decker Farm who organized festivities for children. Norma and Ed enjoyed travelling to various places along the east coast, as well as in Europe. They enjoyed many years of relaxation at their vacation homes in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Orange Lake, Florida.

Norma was the loving mother to six children, Denise Canlon, Christine O’Toole (Thomas), Barbara Pettersson (Anders), Mary McDonnell (John), Edward Canlon (Jeanne) and Stephen Canlon who will forever hold her close in their hearts. Her legacy of love and kindness also lives on in her eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, who will remember her with fondness and admiration. She was the grandmother to Erin Haney, Tommy O`Toole, Kelly Jackler, Jennifer Pettersson, Ryan Pettersson, Carminda Canlon, Kathleen Canlon and Tara Jean Canlon and great-grandmother to John Thomas Haney, Sean Haney, Thomas O’Toole, Jack O’Toole, Kaylee Jackler and Adelynn Jackler. She was the loving aunt to many nieces and nephews.

To celebrate her life and cherish the memories she left behind please join us on the 29th of May between 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm, at Casey McCallum Rice South Shore Funeral Home located on Nelson Avenue in Great Kills. The funeral mass will be held at St. Clare’s Church on 110 Nelson Avenue at 11 am on the 30th of May followed by a graveside service at Ocean View Cemetery at 3315 Amboy Road, Bay Terrace. In lieu of flowers donations can be to Saint Jude Children's Hospital

The love she shared and the warmth she brought into our lives will remain in our hearts forever. May she rest in eternal peace.