Norma Erceg 88, of Edison, passed away on December 22, 2016 at the home her husband built for her in 1949.  She was born in Fords and was a lifelong resident who loved New Jersey.

Norma's first job was for the NJ Bell Telephone Company in Perth Amboy as a telephone operator.  She married her love in 1948, and started a family, which she considered her greatest achievement.  Over the decades she served as the president of the Fords Women's Club, was active in her church, and excelled as a top jewelry saleswoman at Montgomery Ward.  In 1970 when Eastern Airlines opened a reservation center in Edison, she learned how to use a computer and got the job that would allow her family to travel the world.  Throughout her life she cared about the well-being of her community and worked to save the 36 acre Thomas Edison Memorial Park from becoming an amusement park, preserving the historical wooded refuge for future generations.  She also enjoyed politics and worked as an election day polling supervisor.  Her passion for reading led her to volunteer to teach adults to read.  Writing letters to the local newspaper editor to express her opinion was an ongoing pursuit; Norma was always keenly aware of her civic responsibility.  Her plain-spoken insight landed her a spot on several local citizen discussion panels.  After retirement Norma participated in craft shows with her husband throughout NJ, selling her unique hand-knit baby sweaters, hats, and socks.  Her compassion, wisdom, and strong moral compass will be profoundly missed by all who loved and drew strength from her.

Norma was preceded in death by her mother and father Ellen and Otto Christensen and her dear sister Edna Harkay.  She is survived by her beloved husband Mitchell, and daughters Michele Erceg, Jacqueline Markel, and Janine Apruzzese.

A viewing will be held on Monday December 26, 2016 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Flynn and Son Funeral Home 23 Ford Avenue, Fords. Funeral Services will be on Tuesday December 27, 2016 at 11 am service at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church 120 Pleasant Avenue, Edison.  In lieu of flowers contributions are requested to the church.