Elser, Norma B. August 13, 1932 - January 26, 2024

Norma Elser, 91, of Bronxville, NY, and formerly of Crestwood, NY, passed away peacefully at home on January 26, 2024.  

Born into a loving family on August 13, 1932, she was raised on Kepler Avenue in the Woodlawn section of the Bronx.  

She is predeceased by her parents, Nicholas and Pierina della Fazia; her brother, Arnold Fazia; her nephew, Randy Fazia; and her adoring husband, John, in 2021.

She is survived by her ever-devoted sister, Alba della Fazia, of Frosinone, Italy; her children, Bernie, Beth, Mara and Dede; her son-in-law, Brian; and six cherished grandchildren, Kyle, Chrissy and Will Sauerbrunn and Zachary, Zoe and Eliza LaRock.

Her Italian immigrant parents raised their children with a strong emphasis on Catholic education.  Norma attended the Academy of Mount St. Ursula, received a B.A. in biology from The College of New Rochelle and later became a registered nurse. For many years she taught and practiced nursing in addition to her numerous volunteer activities.

She married “Jack” in 1958 and together they welcomed four children.  They moved to Crestwood where they spent 50 years as active parishioners of Annunciation Church and where they made lasting friendships.

Norma was a lifelong learner, a lover of books, words, and language. She was a talented painter and excelled at classical guitar.  A natural athlete, she was a skilled tennis player and golfer. Cooking and entertaining came easily to her. She and John traveled often – for business and pleasure – and they sought out cultural opportunities wherever they went.

Norma shall be remembered as a kind person with a lovely sense of humor.  She was a caring mother and friend and will be missed.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to mom’s aides, Irina and Viki Petriashvili, and several other compassionate women who cared for Norma over the years with grace and dignity and allowed her to remain in the comfort of her home.  We are truly indebted to them for their devoted and loving care.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Annunciation Church, 470 Westchester Avenue in Crestwood, NY, on Thursday, February 1st at 11 am followed by interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Valhalla, NY.

Donations may be made in memory of Norma Elser, ‘49, to the Academy of Mount St. Ursula, 330 Bedford Park Blvd., Bronx, NY 10458; or www.amsu.org/donate.