Norma Gardella Friday, December 3, 2021
Norma Amundsen Gardella September 24, 1935 - December 3, 2021 Norma Gardella, 86, passed away peacefully at home on December 3rd, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. Norma was born on September 24th,1935, in her lifelong home of Norwalk, CT to Ruth Glynn and Norman Amundsen. She was raised by her Mom, grandmother, Winifred Glynn, and her stepfather, Don See.
Norma met the love of her life, Louis Norman “Lukie” Gardella, at Norwalk High School. Norma and Lou enjoyed going out dancing with friends to favorite spots in Darien. The couple dated for four years before marrying in 1954. On their honeymoon, they embarked on a cross-country road trip which took them to Zion National Park and the Black Hills of North Dakota. In her final years, Norma would still rave about what a fabulous time they had, seeing the country together.
Lou and Norma had five children together - Patricia, Louis Jr. (“Skipper”), Elaine, Marybeth, and Lynn. The Gardella children fondly recall family road trips to Vermont, sea trips to Montauk, and a happy childhood in the era of waterskiing and The Beach Boys.
She was active in the family businesses for over sixty years. Her first job for the Gardella family was to count the dump trucks from her living room window as the state excavated fill for construction of I-95 in Norwalk. The excavated area was then developed as the basin of Norwalk Cove Marina. She enjoyed directing the businesses along with her brother-in-laws and keeping the books.
A longtime member of Shorehaven Golf Club she enjoyed tennis, golf and lounging by the pool. She had a lifelong love of Bridge and played with several groups. She was a voracious reader and kept a diary of the books that she read each year. She also enjoyed traveling with dear friends and family to many different locations here and abroad.
Norma eventually became a grandmother eleven times over, and was adored by her grandkids, who affectionately called her “Grandma Goose”. Goose delighted in reading with the kids, taking them to the beach, cooking for them, and hosting raucous holiday family gatherings.
Norma is predeceased by her husband, Louis, her daughter, Elaine, and her sister, Winnie. She is survived by her children Patricia Fales (David) of Norwalk, CT; Louis “Skipper” Gardella (Karen) of Norwalk, CT; Marybeth Mola of Florida; and Lynn Zenda of Florida; eleven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; a large extended family; and many lifelong friends. She will be dearly missed by all.
There will be a wake on Sunday December, 5th from 2:00 to 5:00 at Collins Funeral Home in Norwalk. The funeral will be on Monday at 10:00 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Norwalk. All are welcome. Donations in Norma’s memory can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. Flowers are also appreciated.