Norma M. Martel

A one-of-a-kind, courageous, independent and beautiful soul has been called home. Norma M. (Fascendini) (Damian) Martel entered eternal peace on April 24, 2020. Norma will be remembered for her infectious laugh, wit, and charm. She was the definition of unconditional love, ready to lend a compassionate ear, a friend to all she met and always up for a good time.

A US Navy Veteran, mother of 8, grandmother of 20, great grandmother of 28, aunt, sister-in-law and friend, Norma truly did it her way leaving many precious memories and a lasting legacy.

Norma was born in New York on May 8, 1934 to Andrew and Mary (Cerri) Fascendini and raised in Kensington and New Britain. Determined to become a nurse, Norma joined the Hospital Corps and served from 1952 – 1956 during the Korean War. While stationed at US Naval Hospital Portsmouth, VA she met the love of her life, Anthony N. Damian, Jr. Together they had two children before his untimely death. She later married Paul A. Martel, eventually moving to Plainville to raise the family and make a lifetime of memories.

Norma is survived by her children: Tony Damian and Cathryn Barkulis Smith, Mary (Damian) and William Reynolds, Joseph and Silvia Martel, David Martel and Nancy Siering, Richard Martel, Carol Martel Hall, James and Corrie Martel, grandchildren: Diana (Damian) and Ramon Figueroa, Stephanie Damian and Brian Schroth, Leanne (Damian) and Jordan Davidson, Joel and Aleen Colby, Christina Colby, Fred and Bryana Colby, Taylor Reynolds, Melissa Martel,  David Martel, Jessica Martel, Melissa (Martel) and Dexter Woods, Richard Martel, Tim and Nicole Hall, Amber (Hall) and Tyler Paparello, Kaylie Hall, Jeremy Martel, Kayla Martel, Michael Pollin, David Martel, Cody Pollin, brother in-law Moe Martel; sisters-in-law Simone Fascendini, Dallas Martel, Juanita Martel, Jackie Martel, and Charlene Martel along with many cherished great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and adopted members to the Martel clan. She was predeceased by her son Michael Martel; husbands Tony Damian and Paul Martel; brother Andy Fascendini; sister-in-law Irene Martel; and brothers-in-law Louis Martel, Leo Martel, Roger Martel and Walter Martel.

The family wishes to thank the Apple Valley Rehab Annex Team for their constant care and courage during this pandemic, true heroes on the front line of a deadly virus. May we find peace knowing that Norma is now 100%, free of pain, zip-a-dee-doo-dah-ing along to the golden gate. Her cloud was ready, heaven could no longer wait.  
 

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 24 from 6 to 8 PM at Bailey Funeral Home, 48 Broad Street, Plainville.  Funeral services in celebration of Norma's life will begin at 9:30 AM on Saturday, July 25 from Bailey Funeral Home and proceed to the CT State Veterans Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown. Burial with full military honors will be held at 11 AM at the graveside. Guests attending are required to wear face coverings and are expected to follow all social distancing guidelines. The staff at Bailey Funeral Home extends their appreciation to the Martel family for their trust. In memory of Norma, donations can be made to www.dav.org.

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