Norma Jean Dearfield's Obituary
Norma Jean (Whitney) Dearfield, 96 years young, with a deep faith in God, was welcomed into her heavenly home on Sunday October 13th, by the warm smile and sweet embrace of her husband Duane of 54 years and the cheers of multitudes.
Born on May 29, 1928, in McKeesport, she was the cherished daughter of the late James and Nora Whitney. Norma was a 1947 graduate of St. Peter’s High School and worked at Murphy’s Warehouse until she was scouted by the All American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). She played second base for the Chicago Colleens from 1949-1950 and signed with the South Bend Blue Sox before an unfortunate eye injury ended her baseball career. She was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY in 1988.
On June 2, 1952, she married the love of her life, Duane, on the Naval Base in Charleston, SC. She loved roller skating, dancing, and bowling with her life-long partner. For years she enjoyed her time with friends, being a member of a couples duck pin bowling league and two Canasta card clubs.
She spoke fondly of trips to Cooperstown for her induction into the Hall of Fame, vacations at Geneva on the Lake over the 4th of July, and backyard parties at home around the pool.
Norma’s deep, quiet faith was apparent to all who met and knew her. Something about her was special all would say. She was an active member of Holy Spirit Parish in West Mifflin as a Eucharistic Minister, daily mass attendee, and helper with bingo and fish fries from the time the parish was established in 1963.
Norma was the most amazing and loved mom, an active and lovable Gram, and super special great grandma. She was the favorite aunt to many nieces and nephews and a wonderful cousin and friend to many. Her side door was always open for kitchen table gatherings and the tea pot was always on.
Above all, Norma adored the time she spent with her family and friends, especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to have known her. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her children Karen, Duane (Annette), Diane (Jeff), and Tim (Denise). Her amazing grandchildren Michael (Meredith), Kristina (Josh), Janelle (Tyler), Steven (Leah), Patrick, Kathryn, Kayla (Steve), Kira (John), and Kirk (Jenna); and 14 remarkable great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her beloved husband Duane, her granddaughter Melissa, sisters Laverne and Janet, and brothers Jimmy and Jerry.
Family and friends will be received at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home from 4 to 8 pm on Thursday, October 17th. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Elizabeth Worship Site 10 am on Friday, October 18th.
One of Norma’s favorite quotes was “There’s no crying in baseball” which we will all do our best to remember that as we celebrate her amazing life.
Memorial donations can be made in her honor to the charity of the donor’s choice.
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