Dental hygienist known for her creative skills

Published January 21, 2021

NORTH READING — Norma Irene (Fenerty) Lynch, 88, formerly of North Reading and Chatham, died peacefully on January 6, 2021.

She was the loving mother of son Steven (wife Joanna) of Salt Lake City, Utah, and daughter Sandra Melberg (husband Carl) of Littleton; and was the most dedicated and caring “Nana” to grandsons Alexander and Jonathan Melberg. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Donald J. Lynch, along with her beloved parents, Frederic and Irene Fenerty.

Born in Boston on December 14, 1932, Norma often talked about her joyful upbringing in Lexington. She was proud of her Swedish heritage.

Norma earned her degree from the Forsyth School of Dental Hygienists, then associated with Tufts University, and loved her long career as a hygienist. She married Don in 1955 and raised her family in North Reading. She enjoyed spending summers and ultimately her retirement years in Chatham, and later escaped for the winter months with Don in Sarasota (Siesta Key), Florida.

Norma was very artistic and creative. She had a talent for making her home and gardens beautiful, setting a lovely table, cooking great dinners, and decorating for any and all holidays and celebrations. She would always welcome friends into her home and quickly lay out a plate of cheese and crackers, the best chocolate chip cookies or home-baked coffee cake.

Norma was always active, and was known for her swift pace of walking. She enjoyed living near the ocean’s edge in Cape Cod and Florida, strolling the beach, collecting seashells, and celebrating sunsets with a glass of pinot grigio! Norma and Don were travelers, sharing many adventures with Sandy and Carl, and joining Steve and Joann in Utah and points west on their annual Thanksgiving vacations.

Norma loved dogs and had many four-legged companions to spoil throughout her life, from her childhood Irish Setter “Ginger” to her last loyal furry friend “Brennan,” who helped her through many transitions over the past eight years.

Norma will be remembered for her gorgeous smile, big laugh, hospitality, generosity, eternal optimism and joy of life. She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.

Her family is grateful for the love, caring and compassion shown by the staff and private aides while Norma lived the final years of her life in memory care at The Atrium at Drum Hill in North Chelmsford.

Norma was diagnosed with COVID-19 on December 9. In the face of the current pandemic, a memorial service will be held at a later, safe date at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.

Arrangements are under the care of Badger Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, Littleton. To share a memory or offer a condolence, visit: www.badgerfuneral.com.