Norma Barbara Kimmelman

Norma Kimmelman, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to so many, passed away peacefully with her family by her side in the early morning of Wednesday, March 10, 2021, the birthday of her youngest child. Norma Roth was born in Bronx, New York in 1930, grew up in Coney Island and Brooklyn before marrying Bernard (“Bubie”) Kimmelman and moving to New Jersey in 1950. Norma and Bubie lived almost 64 years together, raised their 4 children, Ann, Bonnie, Alan and Steven, and spent much of their later years traveling and exploring the world until his passing 7 years ago. Since that time, Norma enjoyed her time in NJ with friends, weekly worship at Anshe Chesed Synagogue, and activities in the community including walking in her beloved Rahway Park and line dancing at the Senior Center.

Norma spent many wonderful visits and travels with her children spread far and wide including California, Hawaii, Arizona, Isla Mujeres, Mexico, Vermont and New Hampshire, and her special annual trip to a cottage on the bay in North Truro, Cape Cod with Bonnie and Ann. She also enjoyed extended visits with daughter Bonnie in New Hampshire, where she continued her strong faith connection as a beloved participant in the Upper Valley Jewish Community and local Mah Jong contingent.

Norma often said that she felt her main purpose in life was to raise a big and loving family, and in this regard she succeeded spectacularly. Her 4 children, their partners, her 6 grandchildren and one very special great-grandchild share a love and companionship that are a testament to her love and positive outlook on life.

Norma was a force of positive energy in the world. Everyone who came close to her came to love her warmth, caring, curiosity, and easy laugh. Not only did she succeed in raising her own family, but she became the ‘adopted’ mother of so many it is impossible to count.

She will be remembered and missed by many, but her spirit will surely continue on through all the people she touched. Memorial contributions in her honor can be made to Anshe Chesed Synagogue in Linden, NJ, The Upper Valley Jewish Community in Hanover, NH, or the Visiting Nurses and Hospice of Vermont and New Hampshire.