TROY – Norma Maria DeMaios, 84, nee Norma M. Baldani passed on to eternal rest, on January 5, 2011. Born in Pawtucket, RI, she was the daughter of Angelo & Nella Baldani and the loving partner of Joseph DeMaios of Troy. She attended and graduated from the public schools in Pawtucket, then enrolled in the Vesper George Art School in Boston, MA. After a short period of teaching basic art & design, she discovered her interest and passion for music. She enrolled as a student at the New England Conservatory of Music with a special interest in the piano. While there she made contact with a Mrs. Elsie Foss and, became her teacher of the piano for the next 20 years. It was Mrs. Foss who recognized her special talent for teaching the piano and launched her career as piano teacher. Norma taught piano for students of all ages over the next 60 years. She taught this instrument both in Massachusetts & Maine.
She retired in 2005 and relocated to Troy, NY to discover the natural beauty of both the Hudson-Mohawk Valleys and the Adirondacks. During this period she became afflicted with Polymyalgia, an auto-immune disease. It deteriorated her physical strength and limited her opportunities to hike, cross-country ski, bike and kayak. Nevertheless, she was challenged and did some short term excursions. Her love for people is reflected in her abilities to listen to and be of help to many friends, acquaintances and former students. Her love for animals, of all species, and their positive affection to her was legion. She was proud of her Italo-Tuscan-American heritage. She always displayed much warm concern to all humans and animals that came in contact with her. She enjoyed the fine art of home cooking and displayed her talents and expertise in our kitchen as well as those of other family & friends. She is survived by her husband Joseph, numerous nieces and nephews, and our cat, Boukee.
Her last wish was to donate her body to a medical college in the area for research.
A Memorial Service will be held in March of 2011. In lieu of flowers and other gifts of remembrance, she asked that all gifts and donations be donated to a major Animal & Humane Service in the Area. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com .
Phyllis Hyde
January 13, 2011 at 9:15 pmHi, Joe. I was so sorry to hear about Norma’s passing. I was sure she would outlive me, even though I am the younger of the two of us. I will miss my weekly phone conversations with Norma and the opportunity to go to Troy to visit with both of you. I will keep you in my prayers.
Matthew DeMayo
January 14, 2011 at 5:33 pmSo sorry to hear about Norma’s passing you have my sincerest sympathy.
Cousin Matt
Rick and Bonnie Clarke
January 15, 2011 at 5:19 amJoe, Bonnie and I are saddened to hear of Norma’s passing. She was genuinely warm and caring. We miss the time we spent as neighbors and came to know her and you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both. Rick and Bonnie
Josephine Ryan
January 15, 2011 at 11:43 amShe was a friend. My admiration and friendship grew as we got to know each other. She left. I’ll miss her and keep my memories of our good times.
Jane Weeks and Stephen Rosenblum
January 18, 2011 at 5:10 amJoe- Steve and I were very sorry to read about Norma’s passing. We have very fond memories of our Abnaki camping trips with you and Norma. Our thoughts are with you, Jane and Steve
gianna giannelli carrabino
February 12, 2011 at 2:20 pmI am saddened to hear of the loss of such a wonderful person. Norma lived a full life and with gusto!!! My thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.
Adina Giannelli
February 18, 2011 at 6:47 amNorma was always such a kind, spirited, and vivacious person. My childhood memories of her are incredibly fond. The entire Giannelli family loved her so much. She will be greatly missed, but her memory will not be forgotten. My thoughts are with you, Joe.
William Lee Roberts
July 12, 2012 at 11:52 amIt has been well over a year and I think of you and Norma often.