Norma Jean Demarco

Norma Jean DeMarco (née Isgro) , 87, died peacefully on December 30, 2023 at The Gables of Green in Uniontown, Ohio.

Born on June 18, 1936 in her Louisville, Ohio family home, she was the oldest of four children to Dorothy and William Isgro.

A 1954 graduate of Louisville High School, she went on to earn an Associate’s Degree in Radiologic Technology and Nursing from Mercy Hospital in 1957; and continued her studies at the University of Akron and Kent State University in Early Childhood Education and Psychology.

As a young adult she sang and performed with the local chapter of the Sweet Adelines a cappella singers; as well as pursued modeling and took part in beauty pageants: 1960 Cherry Blossom Festival and the 1957 Nimishillen Township Grange, the latter of which she was crowned Queen.  She carried this consummate poise, flair and elegance throughout her life with how she dressed and lived.

For over a decade, Norma Jean worked in hospital X-Ray departments, and for private physicians in the Akron/Canton area before turning her career attention to early childhood education. In 1969 she established Happy Days Childcare; followed by Color Our Rainbow Academy in 1982, where she served as the Executive Director until 2001.  Additionally, she served on the Akron Board of Education Advisory Board and was a member of the Akron and National Chapters of the Association for Education of Young Children.

A hallmark of Norma Jean’s life was spending time with children. She treasured her 10 nieces and nephews and being Nana to 8 grandchildren of longtime partner Don Miller, and always welcomed children of friends, neighbors, or former students into her world. Norma worked until the onset of the COVID pandemic as a dedicated nanny and caregiver to several families, elderly adults and children, most notably her charges Robert and Andrew, and her great nephew Julian.

Norma had a passion for entertaining, decorating and creating a welcoming home full of warmth and beauty that was much appreciated by family and friends.  She was known for her Italian cooking, and hosting hub for holiday celebrations that were full of food, games, and music (and included annual Easter coconut bunny cakes or artfully wrapped presents).   She earned awards for community Christmas tree decorating, chaired her condominium’s social event calendar, and enjoyed bowling, golfing, and playing cards with friends.  Norma longed to travel more, as she was fond of vacationing on cruises to warm sunny places with beaches, or traveling to Las Vegas, or Cooks Forest in Pennsylvania.

Norma Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy (née Oyster) and William Isgro; brother, Lawrence Isgro; and the love of her life, Donald Miller. Surviving Norma Jean are her brother, Ronald Isgro of Berea, OH, and sister, Coletta Eichenberger (Robert) of Columbia, MO; sister in law, Sally Isgro; daughters in-law, Kathy Van Doros(George) and Kim Stimack; nieces, Kirsten Isgro (Tom Schicker), Carrie Isgro, Andrea James (Eric), Lisa Janowiak (Luke), Melissa Thomas (Steve), Christina Adam (Tim), Maria Eichenberger, nephews,  Eric Isgro (Sara), Daniel Isgro (Monica), and Matthew Eichenberger;  grandchildren,  Brittany Rogers (Michael)  Ashley LeFevere (Ben), Jess Stimack, Lindsey Yoder (Reid), Tiffany Van Doros, and Mac Van Doros (Mandy); 5 great-grandchildren; 14 great-nieces; 5 great-nephews; 3 great-great nephews and 1 great-great niece.

Norma Jean’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to all the staff at Berea Generations, The Gables of Green, Transitions Hospice Care, and The Alzheimer’s Association for the dedicated care and support given to NJD during her last days.

A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 a.m.  SATURDAY, January 6, 2024 at Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. with the Rev. Coletta Eichenberger officiating. The service will also be livestreamed on the Billow Funeral Homes Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BillowFuneralHomes/ .  A reception will immediately follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are encouraged to Akron Children’s Hospital Foundation, One Perkins Square Akron, Ohio 44308 or online at giving.akronchildrens.org .

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road, Akron, OH  44333.