Norma Jean Cacchiotti

Dear Mom,

How do we say goodbye to someone has been a part of every chapter of our lives?

They say that when you're little, all that you need from your mom is the squeeze of a hug so tight, a gentle kiss good night, and to know and feel that she loves you and will always take care of you. That was you, Mom. But as we grew older, we learned that a mother's love becomes so much more.

You became our biggest fan, supporter, our safe haven. You and Dad worked endlessly and selflessly to make our home a place where kids would love to BE home. Horses roamed the pasture, dogs warmed our hearts, endless swimming and family game nights, family and friends always coming and going, it filled our hearts with so many incredible stories and memories.

Mom, you lived with endless energy and an adventurous spirit. You were the queen of creativity and a rockstar at organizing fund raisers and talent shows for St. Paul's and Carroll High School. You ran marathons, triathlons, played tennis, excelled at bowling, hiked and biked the outdoors and that was your happy and sacred place. And through it all, you raised 4 kids that probably challenged you in so many crazy and different ways. How did you do it all?

And horses weren't just an interest. They were part of your heart and soul. Your love for animals reflected the kindness in your heart, and every adventure became an opportunity to bring your family along with you. You made sure we experienced life the way you did. Whether we were playing sports, chasing dreams, or simply figuring out who we wanted to become, you were there. We never had to wonder if you would show up because you were already in the stands cheering for us! You and Dad, you were the best parents we could have ever asked for.

Then came, which was probably your favorite title of all... GRANDMA.

You loved every one of your grandchildren and great grandchildren with your whole heart. Even when you weren't there, you always wanted to hear stories, asked to see pictures and videos of them, and it warmed our hearts so much to share them with you .

Family wasn't just important to you... It was everything!

You were proudly Italian, a fierce LEO, wonderfully stubborn, and stronger than anyone gave you credit for.

You were so beautiful and everyone commented on your unique and gorgeous, blue eyes! And always those bright colored nails!

You loved deeply, laughed often, and protected your family with everything you had in you. And when life asked the hardest thing of you, you answered the same way you always had... You fought. You fought with courage. You fought with grace. And you fought until all of your family could say goodbye and know how much you loved them. Even in your final days you reminded us who you had always been, a woman of remarkable strength, unwavering determination, and endless love!

We imagine Dad, waiting for you with the biggest smile, after nearly 28 years apart. What a reunion that must've been!

Thank you for every sacrifice that went unnoticed, every lesson we didn't appreciate enough until we were older, every cheer from the sidelines, every holiday around the table, every hug, every laugh, and every memory you gave us.

You showed us that life isn't measured by what we accomplish or mistakes that we made, but what matters most is the love we leave behind.

Run free now, Mom.

Run now that your legs are strong again, where your heart is light, where horses roam, and where every beloved animal greets you.

And until God brings us together again, thank you for being our Mom.

You will forever be the heart of our family right next to our Dad.

With all our love,

Your children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and everyone blessed enough to know you, to love you, and to be loved by you.

Norma Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Larry, the love of her life, who passed away in 1998 and also her husband Jerry, who passed away in 2013, her parents, Jess and Matilda and her sisters, Elsie and Shirley.

She is survived by her sister, Linda Lee Blair.

She also leaves behind the family she cherished above all else: her children, Cathy Cacchiotti, Larry Cacchiotti (Jacqueline) Dino Cacchiotti (Rhonda) and Gina Cacchiotti-Wellner (Ken). Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren, Jonathan (Heather), Angie (Jess), Lawrence, Anthony (Laynie) Dominic, Damian (Shelby), Dylan (Abbey) Karly (Mitchell), Max (Talia) and her treasured great grandchildren; Ellie, Sonny, Aiden, Miles, Scotti, Emrie, Bennett, Vivienne, Mila, Rocco, Sophia, Stella, our Angel Sienna, Hayden and Blake.

The greatest gift that our mom left this world with was the family she loved with every ounce of her heart.

"Forever a Family"

* Our family would like to extend our gratitude to the wonderful and caring staff at The Chesterley.