Obituary of Ora I. Harper

Ora "Norma" I. Harper, age 87, of Rome, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2011. She was born January 7, 1924, in Mohawk, a daughter of the late Peter and Inez Hext. Ora, was united in marriage to Roger R. Harper, on May 28, 1947. She was employed at the Remington Arms, Ilion, during WW II. She later stayed at home raising and caring for her family for many years. She returned to work in 1965 as a cake decorator at the Mohawk Bake shop. After moving to Lowville in 1979, she worked as a medical assistant in her son-in-law's medical office until her retirement. Norma loved her family and enjoyed her flower gardens, her dogs and playing pitch with her family and friends. Norma is survived by her husband, Roger, her daughter and son-in-law, Sandy and Richard Sullivan, a granddaughter, Shelly Kingsbury, and a grandson, Ryan Proulx, all of Rome; as well as two sisters, Jean Lytwynec of Herkimer, and Ann Sohns and her husband, Bill of Mohawk; a brother, Donald Hext and his wife, Catherine of Frankfort; a sister-in-law, Doris Getman of Herkimer; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her granddaughter, Holly Sullivan; two sisters, Dorothy Petrie and Marion Helmer; and a brother, Gerald Hext. The family extends a special thank you to Shirley Bristol and Theresa Tucker, her caregivers; and the VNA nurses and aides, who assisted her daughter and husband with her care, allowing Norma to spend her last years at home with her family. Also, they would like to thank Dr. Poonati and Dr. Seedat, and the nurses and aides on 2 North at Rome Memorial Hospital for the care and comfort she received. The funeral service will be held Sunday at 11:00 AM, at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery. There are no calling hours.