Norma Jeanne T. Bochette

Norma Jeanne T. Bochette left this earthly world on February 13, 2018 while enjoying life and sharing her goodness with others. She was born in Old Tampa, Florida on November 13, 1929, the first child of Charles Norman and Fannie Viola Thaggard. Her brother, Raymond Leon followed her soon thereafter. Her life long quest for excellence began in her youth. She excelled in the arts, academics, and athletics performing as a child for the Edison Family and across the southeastern United States during travels with her Grandmother. Her fascination with the healthy body and healthy mind led her on an endless journey as a performer, director and visionary.

While at FMHS Norma Jeanne won the State Championship in swimming and diving. She was an honor student, she spent countless hours teaching, tutoring and doing charitable work in the community. She presided over the Pan American Society, served as a class officer and was the highly acclaimed Head Drum Majorette leading parades throughout Florida including the Orange Bowl, The Gasparilla, and of course, The Edison Pageant. She chose to study at Rollins College in Winter Park forming the equestrian and aquatic teams there. Norma Jeanne was active in student affairs, as a member of Phi Mu Sorority and class president. She built deep friendships with all her classmates including Mr. (Fred) Rogers, Anthony Perkins, and many others. At college she met L.D. Bochette Jr.. (1929 - 2017). of Gainesville, an outstanding football player and accomplished student. They would later marry after graduation. Holding a degree in English Literature with high honors, she went on to study dance at the Royal Ballet, New York City Ballet and performed as a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall and The Roxy.

L.D. forwent his professional football career to return to Law School. He joined and become an Air Force officer/pilot. The couple moved to Panama City where she opened her first Ballet School and launched her career of 67 uninterrupted years teaching the art of movement.

Norma Jeanne was well prepared speaking French, Spanish, skilled at the piano, painting, knowledge of the classics and blessed with wonderful social graces. Between 1953 - 57 Norma Jeanne gave birth to her three children balancing her professional and personal lives. Under her guidance each excelled and reached heights in school, sport, the arts and business. She continued to train under the elite programs in the world being certified by Dance Masters of America, the Imperial Society of London, Cecchetti USA among the many. Norma Jeanne quickly became a conduit in the arts choreographing and performing dance across the State. Besides her studio, she taught in schools, colleges, seminars and special courses. Her staff of highly qualified and talented instructors formed one of the best centers for dance in the region impacting the lives of 10s of thousands of students hosting hundreds of performances over 7 decades while teaching ballet, tap, jazz, acrobatics, modern, Flamenco, Hawaiian and all forms of physical expression. Many young girls found their direction in life under her caring guidance.

Norma Jeanne served on various boards including being a founding member of SWFL Symphony, Community Concerts, Dance Masters of Florida, school councils and being honored by government and private institutions for her service including Life Time Achievement Awards and the title of Grande Dame of Southwest Florida. Her school was always open to those willing to learn regardless of race, creed, color, ethnic background or socioeconomic challenges. Norma Jeanne was close to her faith teaching and supporting worship services throughout the area. Later she was a member of Thomas A. Edison Congregational Church.

Norma Jeanne greatly enjoyed helping others to reach their goals. Many families have been impacted by her hands-on-care. Her sense of community dedication took her to develop countless meaningful relationships locally, nationally and throughout the world. She was a Southern Lady; polite, elegant, honest, loyal, dignified and driven. Her qualities were obvious in her natural embracement of life. Norma Jeanne was a skilled business woman as well as a pioneer and a creative innovator able to inspire others where ever she went at home or afar. She was blessed with physical, intellectual and spiritual beauty which she shared openly. She was one of the most recognized personalities in her field and across society.

Norma Jeanne was proud of her family and friends who took note of her standards and mirrored many of her fine traits. She is survived by her children Norman Lee (his wife, Madeline) Bochette, Jeanne Alyce Bochette, and Liston Donneal Bochette III, two grandchildren (Brittany B. Robbins, Brian Bochette), two great-grandchildren (Bryson and Owen Robbins) and ten nieces and nephews.

“On A Clear Day” Service

Thomas A. Edison Congregational Church

Sunday March 4, 2018 @ 2:00 p.m.

“Shall We Dance” Celebration

Edison Ford Winter Estates

Monday March 5, 2018 @ 5:30 p.m.

Norma Jeanne was the essence of “unbridled talent” — she leaves an indelible mark on SWFL and one that lives on in perpetuity through those who knew her — In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be directed to Gulfcoast Dance Inc. Educational Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1593, Fort Myers, FL 33902.