Norma M. (Rexroad) Purple

ATHOL- It is with heavy hearts we announce Norma Mary Purple, 85, passed Tuesday morning, July 23, 2024 at Quabbin Valley Healthcare.

Born March 21, 1939, to Lacy and Bertha Vancourt Rexroad. She was a graduate of Athol High School class of 1957 and graduated from Henry Heywood School of Nursing in 1960. A registered nurse, she worked at Henry Heywood Hospital, office of Francis A. Reynolds in Athol, worked at Quabbin Valley Helthcare and filled in as an Industrial Nurse at the L. S. Starrett Co. She married Norman W. Purple in 1960 and they operated Norm’s Smoker on Main Street for many years where she is often remembered as the “Candy Lady”. Later years, she was partner with her daughter Monica owning and operating Accents and Treasures on Main Street, Athol. She was elected to the Athol Board of Health in 1993 and served on the board for over 25 years.

She leaves her husband Norman Purple of Athol; daughter and son in law Monica and Wayne Mailloux of Orange, and grandchildren, Danielle Colella and her husband Daniel of Dudley, Ryan, Brennan and Micalyn Mailloux of Orange and Collin Mailloux of Athol. Great grandchildren Daxton and Dawsyn Colella, and Sonny Mailloux; cousins, nieces, great nieces and nephews, and great, great nieces and nephews. She enjoyed being with her family and her weekly visits from her niece, Jennifer Spooner, brought her joy.

She was predeceased by her parents and her beloved sister Joanne Barrett.

Norma enjoyed going to flea markets and tag sales. Over the years, she enjoyed collecting different articles and sharing them with others. There wasn’t much that held a more important spot on her calendar that her Friday afternoon hair appointments. She enjoyed being with her family, going for rides and eating out with her predeceased special friend Kathy Putnam. Friendships, whether lifelong or later in life, with Kathy, Priscilla Curtis and Viola VanOs were ones she always cherished.

Never one to miss a birthday or an opportunity to “snail mail” a card or special note, Norma’s life was defined by unwavering care and thoughtfulness. Throughout her years, she dedicated herself to the well being of others, consistently placing the needs of family, friends and the community above her own. One of Norma’s greatest joys was enjoying time and meals with loved ones. Norma’s generous spirit and acts of kindness have left a lasting mark on those who were blessed to have her in their lives. She will be deeply missed.

There are no calling hours or services.

A special thank you to Amanda Uguccioni at Quabbin Valley Healthcare for her exceptional dedication to our loved one.

She also requested that if anyone would like to do something in her passing, be kind to someone, give them a call, have a coffee with them, or go out to lunch. Make someone’s day special.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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