Ruby Jeanette Maduro Norman
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On Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012, Ruby Jeanette Maduro Norman, loving wife of the late Rufus A. Norman, died at Parkhouse Geriactric Care Center in Royersford, Pa., after a long period of declining health. Her loving family was at her bedside.
Ruby was born to her parents, Hermina Jacobs and Albert Maduro (PaPa), on Easter morning, April 13, 1913, in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. She was lovingly raised by her grandmother, Mariah Cruse, affectionately called "mommie," and her aunt, Augenie.
She graduated from Rhodes High School in New York City. When she returned to St. Thomas, she met and married Rufus A. Norman. They had six children and were married for 54 years. They resided in Brooklyn and Queens, N.Y. Ruby's commitment was always to her family.
She was an extraordinary cook and a master at stretching meals to include unexpected guests. Everyone looked forward to sharing her home and meals, especially if their visit included getting advice for surviving life's twists and turns. In spite of it all, her children never did without or felt neglected. Later in life, Ruby worked as a bookkeeper and church secretary at St. John's Episcopal Church in Queens. She believed that all things are possible with God's help.
She was a mother, nanny, grandmother, great-nanny and great-grandmother to all.
Ruby's sister, Urice, is, as all of us, very grateful that Ruby was in our lives. Urice states that "her memories of her sister, Ruby, will take her the rest of the way." Urice adds that her Ruby gave her love and guidance during their lives together. Though Ruby will be missed, the faith, strength and vision that she instilled in others will be passed on.
Devoted survivors include her six children, Rufus Norman of Annapolis, Md., Ruby Jeanette Browne of Roosevelt Island, N.Y., Ruth Joan Ekong of Lancaster, Calif., Roy Norman of New York, N.Y., the Rev. Rosalie Norman-McNaney of Cranston, R.I., and Regina Joy Norman of Pottstown, Pa. Ruby was the adoring grandmother of 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Ruby also is survived by her sisters Urice, of Jamaica, N.Y., and Etlyn Hughes, of St. Thomas; brothers, Liston Schlessinger and Junior Schlessinger, of St. Thomas; and many nephews and nieces throughout the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested in Ruby's memory to the Parkhouse, Residents Fund, 8th Floor North, 1600 Black Rock Road, Royersford, Pa., 19468-3130.
- Obituary submitted by the family.
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