Obituary of Norma Frances Furgal

Norma Frances Furgal age 74, of Pembroke, peacefully entered

heaven’s gates on January 2, 2019 in North Smithfield, RI surrounded

by her loving and devoted family as she wanted.

Norma is predeceased by her mother Mildred Cahill and her son Richard Paul Cleveland. Norma is survived by her three daughters Norma Sellier, Stephanie Furgal and Jacquelyn Cleveland, her fifteen grandchildren Tiffany Brennen, Steven Willett Jr, Kelsey Willett, Jesse Sellier, Nicholas Sellier, Christopher Sellier, Abel Lopes Jr, Ava Lopes, Kimberly Palaza, Amanda Lylon, Justin Cleveland, Michelle Critch, Gabriel Cleveland, Isiah Cleveland and Nathaniel Cleveland, 11 great-grandchild, and sister Frances Ahearn as well many loved nieces and nephews.

Norma was born on April 26th 1944 in Hartford Connecticut. Norma was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She lived a brave and faithful life always seeing the bright side of people and life even in her most challenging of times.

Norma had so many amazing and creative gifts. She had a green thumb like no other we have ever seen. She could pluck a seed from a bush she was walking by, take it home and grow a beautiful garden, which says so much of the beauty that lied within her.

Norma’s beloved dog patches was her devoted companion for the last 12 years whom she loved and cared for like her child and just another example of her creative gifts and love of life. She taught her dog patches to say mamma, to do tricks and loved him dearly. As a result patches was her devoted furry- child until she took her last breath.

Norma loved to make special crocheted gifts for her family and friends. Everyone she loved has something she made especially for them to cherish forever. Norma (Nan) had a secret carrot cake recipe which she loved making for everyone. No holiday would be complete without Mamma’s (Nan’s) special carrot cake. Her gifts are too many to mention here, but we are sure that all who knew her have a memory of something special she said or did that will warm their hearts forever. 

Norma’s family and friends when they speak of her express what a truly special, kind and caring bright light she was and how very much she will be missed.

“Sweet Mamma”

We are sending a dove to heaven

With a parcel on its wings.

Be careful when you open it

It’s full of beautiful things.

Inside are a million kisses,

wrapped up in a million hugs.

To say how much we miss you,

and to send you all our love.

We hold you close within our hearts

and there you will remain.

To walk with us throughout our life,

Until we meet again.

 

Mamma we promise to continue to carry your legacy

in honor of the life you lived and love you had for all of us.

We love you Mamma (Nan),

Forever and Beyond XO

Visitation will be held at the Shepherd Funeral Home in Pembroke on January 11, 2019 at 9:00 – 11:00 am. at 7 Mattakeesett Street Pembroke, Massachusetts.

A funeral service celebrating Norma’s life will directly follow on January 11, 2019 at 11:30 am at St Thecla’s church, 145 Washington Street Pembroke, Massachusetts.

The family wishes to give all of those who cared for Norma in her last days their greatest and warmest gratitude. Whether it was walking her beloved dog Patches, taking him to get groomed, making her a meal, or just stopping by to say hello to let her know you were thinking of her meant the world to her. Your love and kindness will always be remembered. Norma always shared how blessed she was to have such loving family and friends. She was truly grateful. We would also like to give a special thanks to the staff at Beth Israel Deacon’s hospital in Plymouth Massachusetts, and to Hope Hospice in Providence, RI for the exceptional care they gave to Norma during her illness and time of passing.