Norma Winifred Duncan

Norma Winnifred Duncan (Elliott) affectionately known as Mitzie, was born on March 2, 1944, in Mandeville, Jamaica, West Indies to Salome Chanteloupe and Headly G. Elliott. She was number 8 out of 10 children to the Elliott’s. Even though her stature was petite for being only 5’1 while all her brothers and sisters hovered over 5’7 – 6’1, being the tiniest of them, she surely made up for it in her moxie. She had a wonderful early childhood growing up near the foothills of Blue Mountain. Her mother taught her to be respectful, helpful, and caring to all ages, which eventually led her to her passion to help people. After finishing high school at Mount Saint Joseph Academy, she went to work for a top lawyer DeLapena and Iver in Mandeville, Jamaica.

Norma moved to New York in 1963 where she worked for Mutual Insurance Company for 10 years. She then moved to Florida in 1977, where she began to work as a medical nursing assistant at University Hospital for over 35 years as a phlebotomist and electrocardiographic tech. Mitzie loved working in the hospital setting where she was able to help others daily and live out her desire. Some of her proudest moments were always trying to be there for the elders who depended on her, and she was always gracious when she received diamond awards sent in by her patients. She made many lifelong friends, Margaret, Dawn, and Gwen while working at University Hospital who would eventually become her extended family.

In 2004, Norma transferred her job location to Orlando where she worked for the Osceola Regional Medical Center and was closer to her beloved sister Louise and youngest daughter Tara. Norma finally retired in 2009. Upon retirement, she remained very active volunteering at her church, Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Orlando. She enjoyed traveling with her daughters, visiting the beach, and cooking for her family on holidays. Her love shined through everything she did. Her favorite hobbies were gardening which included growing organic papayas, peppermint plants, and pineapples. Mitzie was also an avid sports television enthusiast. Her favorite sports to watch included tennis, men’s basketball, swimming, and track and field. She was known by family and friends to schedule activities around televised sporting events and games such as Wimbledon and the Olympics which were two of her favorites to watch.

She was predeceased by her brother Nathanial and sisters Pearly, Olive, and Mavis, as well as niece Pat Moodie. She is survived by her 2 daughters: Natasha Barrett and Tara Duncan. She is also survived by her sisters: Clara Louise and Hazel Elliott; and brothers David (aka Freddie), James (aka Jimmy), and Stanley Elliott; and many nieces and nephews in which she loved dearly.

Norma will be remembered for her love of God, life, family, music, and dance. She was an energetic woman with a sweet nature. Everyone who met her loved her. And although we will miss her physically, we know she is dancing with the angels and preparing a Jamaican feast with those we love.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.baileymemorial.com for the Duncan family.