Norma M. Jayne

Norma M. Jayne of 27 Oakcrest Road, Ithaca, passed away at Hospicare on Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at the age of 85. She died peacefully, having battled various forms of cancer since 1991.

Born on May 15, 1923 in Interlaken, New York, Norma was a daughter of Joseph and Angelina (Fidelti) DeParde, both of Italy.

Growing up in Interlaken, Norma attended the public schools and graduated from the Interlaken High School with the class of 1940. Her business skills, honed there, enabled her to join the work force immediately following graduation. In 1942 she accepted a secretarial position at Morse Chain. Always a dedicated worker, Norma was awarded a certificate of recognition in 1944 which cited her "loyal effort and efficiency in winning the Army-Navy Production Award for Excellence in War Production".

Following 23 years of service at Morse Chain, Norma began a second career in 1965 as an Administrative Assistant with the NYS College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University. She officially retired from that position in December of 1998 but gladly continued there, part-time, until September of 2004. While at Cornell, Norma's performance appraisals rated her as "outstanding", " a key individual", "highly efficient and proficient with a thoughtfulness towards all". Her last administrator still remembers her as "secretary extraordinaire".

Despite a long work history, Norma found time for relaxation through her bowling in the 60's and expressed creativity through her remarkable skills in sewing and crocheting. She loved nature and outings with friends. Many friendships were developed at Morse Chain and in her post-retirement years they met for coffee on Saturday mornings. Her favorite topics to discuss were restaurants, the current biography that she was reading, and our country's state of affairs!

Friends describe Norma as "unassuming, willing and giving". Even as a teenager, she was quick to assess the needs of others and do whatever she could for them. Throughout her life Norma received many cards, letters and gifts, even from abroad, that serve as a testimony of the love, respect and compassion that she had for others.

In addition to her parents, Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Harold G. Jayne and two brothers, Orlando "Landy" DeParde and Frank DeParde. She is survived by two nephews and their families, Charles R. DeParde of Waterloo, NY and Floyd A. DeParde of Arcadia, Florida.

A Graveside Service, at the Lake View Cemetery in Interlaken, will be scheduled in the near future. Those who wish to attend are encouraged to contact the funeral home for additional information.

Contributions in Norma's memory may be directed to Hospicare of Tompkins County, 172 E. King Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850.