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On the morning of Oct. 26 Norma Betters passed away peacefully in her home. She was 89 years old. Norma was born Aug. 24 one of two daughters to mother Edith and father Joseph Centoni. She is survived by her sister Ella, her only child Bill and his wife Lisa, her two granddaughters Rachael and Rebecca and a great-granddaughter, Ayla Sophia, who was born in July to Rebecca and her husband Jaye, and their extended families.
Norma is an original Coal Miner’s Daughter. For a time, her father mined coal in Western Pennsylvania and her mother was the first licensed female weighmaster in the state. She and Ella grew up with modest means. Norma married the love of her life shortly after high school, a local boy from McKeesport, Pa., named Bill. They remained a strong loving team committed to one another for 58 years. She is predeceased by Bill in 2015.
After their marriage, Bill and Norma moved to the Cleveland, Ohio, area where Bill worked for United Airlines and Norma worked as a registered nurse in a local hospital. They both pursued college degrees at night while working. In 1967, they relocated to the Boston area, settling in a nice suburban community named Marblehead. Bill continued to work for United Airlines and Norma took a position at Salem Hospital as a registered nurse. Norma earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing at Salem State College. Subsequent to that she earned her graduate degree in nursing administration at Boston University. She worked her way up through the ranks at Salem Hospital ultimately becoming vice president of nursing administration. She and Bill enjoyed a long retirement both having retired at the ages of 57, at which time they extended their travel endeavors to numerous countries around the world including Asia and much of Europe. Later in life, when Rebecca moved to Australia, Norma had the opportunity to visit her along with her sister Ella.
Norma was an original advocate for women’s rights in all aspects. She grew up at a time when the Equal Rights of women were a concept. But she made good use of her position professionally and academically to promote the advancement and equality of women anytime she had the opportunity. Norma will be remembered by many women in her life as being a great Advocate and Champion for them having heard their concerns and providing empathy and guidance. She will be missed by many.
Visiting Hours will be held on Friday, Nov. 6, from 3-6 p.m. at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm St. Donations may be made in Norma’s memory to Doctors Without Borders (give.doctorswithoutborders.org) or to Heifer International (heifer.org). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com for Norma’s family.
