Norma J. Bonvechio

Norma J. Bonvechio, 96, of New Philadelphia, died Nov. 22 surrounded by her family.

She was married for 76 years to husband Gene and had 6 children, 14 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. But she was the “second mother” to all her children’s friends. She did not know a stranger, as anyone who sat next to her on a plane soon found out.

She donated her time to help people in every way possible. She volunteered at the homeless shelter, hosted inner city children in the 1970s, and marched for justice well into her 80s. She and Gene worked at the Hospice sale and worked the Hospice booth at the Tuscarawas County Fair.

For years Norma had a space at the Riverfront Antique Mall where she sold quilts and linens. She had a ball spending her weekends at auctions with family and friends buying things to sell in her antique space.

She taught her children to be resilient, compassionate and that they could do whatever they wanted. Norma had a sense of adventure throughout her life, visiting her children all over the country. She and Gene went river rafting in Idaho; hiked in Canada, Arizona, Colorado, California and the Georgia Mountains; went beach combing in Florida, and shopped everywhere – always shopping. She flew with three of her grandchildren all over the country, including taking them to Disneyland.

Norma’s garden was her pride and joy. She loved flowers almost as much as she loved cooking. She was a great cook and made sure all her children – and some of her grandchildren -- knew how to cook great meals. She always cooked for a crowd, and there usually was one at the house even after her children had grown up. Her dining room table had benches, always room for more. Norma also loved gifting trees, shrubs, and flowers; which are scattered across the country. 

She was a great fan of the arts, never missing a ballet performance or play when visiting in California.

Norma had a deep and profound sense of right and wrong, she detested suffering and always wanted to help. She donated her body to the Ohio State College of Medicine -- she would want you to as well.

What she called one of her greatest adventures was when she and Gene flew to California during a major storm. They landed in Santa Barbara, but the freeway was closed by mudslides. So they hopped on a boat, going through heavy surf, to get to Ventura where her daughter lived. In another California visit they had to flee Ojai during a wildfire. It became family lore, and she retold the story to any who would listen.

Norma was born Norma Maistrelli in Barnhill, Ohio. She met Gene through a double date with her sister Marian and her husband. They were together ever since and Gene was holding her hand when she died. 

Norma is survived by her husband Gene, 97; children Jeana Wacker of Santa Paula, CA; Wendy Bonvechio, Ojai, CA; Marty Bonvechio (husband Duane Dammeyer), of Ventura, CA; Todd Bonvechio (Peggy), Brightwood; Matt Bonvechio (Robin), Gnadenhutten; Craig Bonvechio, Brecksville; 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Lena Maistrelli; her brothers Alfred, Eugene and Eddie Maistrelli and sisters Marian Martini and Rose Ries. She was also preceded in death by sister-in-law Mary Myers, who she considered a sister.

A celebration of life will be held 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec.1 at the Geib Funeral Center, 5600 N. Wooster Ave. Ext. NW in Dover. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Hospice House of New Philadelphia https://www.ohioshospice.org/give/. OSU Body Donation- https://www.go.osu.edu/bodydonation