Norma Cunningham McFadden Morse

She is predeceased in death by her first husband John Edward McFadden, her second husband Arnold (Arnie) S. Morse, her stepson Alan Morse, her parents Maude and Edgel Cunningham, her sisters Doris Talbert and Martha L Cunningham, her close friend who was like a son, John Fitzpatrick, and her dear friend Alma Porembka.

Norma and her twin sister, Martha, were born in Cleveland, Ohio on October 21, 1929. Martha died 7 months later of botulism. Norma’s family lived in Caldwell, Ohio on her grandparent’s farm for the duration of the Depression while her father worked for the WPA. They later moved to the west side of Columbus where Norma graduated from Columbus West High School in 1947.

After high school Norma worked for Battelle Memorial Institute where she met her life-long best friend Alma. She and Alma enjoyed many shopping expeditions, dessert-only lunches, and frequent stops at Anthony Thomas Chocolates.

Norma attended St. Thomas Moore Newman Center where she volunteered during the 1970’s. She was a member of the Damenchor, a German women’s chorus, and enjoyed the dear friendship of many of its members. Norma was an active member of Al-Anon at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Upper Arlington. She was an avid reader and was rarely seen without a book in her hands. Norma and John Fitzpatrick were fans of novelist Clive Cuttler and swapped many books with each other. John made sure she had books when she was no longer able to drive. She enjoyed gardening, often buying the saddest grocery store annual so she could bring it back to life.

Norma is survived by daughters: Kathleen Cox, Erin Racine (Richard), Tammy McFadden, stepson Aric Morse (Cheryle), step daughter-in-law Carol Morse, granddaughter Jacqueline Racine, and six step grandchildren.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Rasheeda Evens, CNA, and Debbie Egan, Hospice RN, for their kindness, support, and care for Mom. A special thanks to our cousin Eric McFadden for helping Mom while she lived in Ohio.

A celebration of life will be from 1pm-3pm on September 20, 2025 at Schoedinger Northwest, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, OH 43221

Memorial contributions may be made to The American Macular Degeneration Foundation (AMDF) in memory of Norma Morse.

By Mail: The American Macular Degeneration Foundation, P.O. Box 515, Northampton, Massachusetts 01061-0515, By Phone: 1.888.622.8527, On-Line: macular.org