Norma M. Bluestone's Obituary
Norma Bluestone passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, September 22nd, 2023. She was born in Hamburg, Germany, on October 9, 1932, to her mother, Martha Heidorn Meyer and her father William Meyer. Having survived the Holocaust and escaping on a ship with her family at only seven years old to come to the United States, Norma developed an early and unique perspective, tenacity, and appreciation for life and for American culture. She grew to become devoted to helping others fulfill their potential and was intent on promoting compassion, inclusion and the resilience that she developed herself, through spending the majority of her formative years under the Nazi regime.
It was fitting that she would go on to pursue a career in education. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and then went on to complete a master’s education at Duquesne University, before going on to teach English at Bethel Park High School, until her retirement. Those who know her know that even after retiring formally, she never truly stopped teaching and inspiring others through her sharing of experiences, knowledge, and most importantly her example. She touched the lives of so many and her actions created ripples that will continue expanding throughout time, as will the love that she imparted on so many throughout her life.
Norma was multifaceted, fiercely independent, forward thinking, and always intellectually ahead of her time. She enjoyed exchanging thoughts about world views and current events with others. She had an affinity for reading, theatre and fine arts. She loved visiting museums, touring architectural buildings and enjoying a delicious meal. But perhaps more than all of this, she was passionate about lifelong learning, even taking courses all the way into her 70’s.
As accomplished as she was, her children and grandchildren were Norma’s greatest pride and purest joys in life. She always prioritized her family over anything else, but she also made friends wherever she went, and she cultivated lasting relationships with many that stood the test of time. She loved with extraordinary sincerity and intention, celebrated people’s differences, encouraged others through difficulties and successes, and never missed a birthday or any other opportunity to reach out and let people know she was thinking of them and sending her love. We can all learn something from her example about how to nurture the relationships in our lives and show up for the people who matter to us, as she always did.
Norma is survived by her first son David and his wife Joanie, and their two daughters Lauren and Claire. She is also survived by her youngest son, Stephen, and his daughters Patra, Ondrea, and Ashley.
Oma, as her favorite people call her, will be missed tremendously by her family and friends. May we all strive to carry on her legacy of devotion, compassion, and service to others. One day we will remember her not with grief, but with wonder at how blessed we were to have known her love.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of Norma to the Great Pittsburgh Community Food Bank at https://pittsburghfoodbank.org/
Online condolences may be shared at www.jeffersonmemorial.com
Services are Private and under the care of Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pittsburgh.
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