Norma L. Beland, age 92, of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away peacefully at her residence on August 10, 2026, following a courageous six-and-a-half-year battle with Mantle Cell Lymphoma.
Norma was born on January 11, 1934, in Trenton, New Jersey, to Paul and Angelina Passolino. She lived a full and meaningful life centered around faith, family, friendship, and love. Over the years, Norma made her home in Trenton, New Jersey; Dracut, Massachusetts; and ultimately St. Petersburg, Florida.
On February 6, 1955, Norma married the love of her life, Donald P. Beland. Together, they shared 56 years of marriage and built a loving family filled with cherished memories. Norma was immensely proud of her five children and considered being their mother one of her greatest accomplishments.
Norma worked as a customer service representative in the insurance industry. She was also an enthusiastic bowler and participated in the bowling league at Sunrise Lanes. Bowling, playing cards, and board games were among her favorite pastimes, and she especially treasured sharing these activities with her children. From a young age, she introduced her family to the joy of playing games together, creating weekly traditions and countless lasting memories. Norma was strategic and keenly focused whenever she played, always bringing her own special spirit to every game.
Those who knew Norma will remember her as one of the most selfless and caring women they had the privilege of knowing. She had an easygoing nature and a remarkable ability to go with the flow, but beneath that gentle spirit was a woman of tremendous strength and compassion. She consistently placed the needs of others before her own and gave freely of her time, love, warmth, and wisdom.
A devout Catholic, Norma attended Mass faithfully throughout most of her life. She lived her faith through the way she treated others—with an open heart, without judgment, and with genuine kindness. She was an attentive listener, a loyal lifelong friend, and a woman whose infectious smile and wonderful sense of humor brought joy to those around her.
As a mother, Norma taught her children the importance of accountability and respect, while also passing along practical skills such as cooking and sewing and, most importantly, a love for God. She was an amazing wife to her husband and, according to her family, without a doubt, the best cook ever. Her influence will continue to live on through the family she loved so dearly and the many lives she touched.
Norma is survived by her loving daughters, Paula Marie Murphy, Angela Donna Beland, Carina Liza Fournier, and Donna Michele Beland; her son, Joseph Paul Beland; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; four nieces; and four nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Angelina Passolino; her brother, Mario J. Passolino; her brother-in-law, Charles Beland; her sister-in-law, Patricia Beland; her loving husband, Donald P. Beland; her grandson, Ryan Fournier; and her nephew, Avery Beland.
Norma leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, faith, family, and cherished memories. Her family will forever remember her gentle spirit, selfless heart, infectious smile, wonderful sense of humor, and the countless ways she made their lives richer. Though she will be deeply missed, the love she gave so freely will remain in the hearts of her family and friends for generations to come.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all of Norma’s friends and family who loved, cared for, and supported her throughout the years. Their kindness and friendship meant more than words can express.
May Norma rest peacefully in the loving arms of God, reunited with those who went before her, while her memory continues to bring comfort and joy to all who knew and loved her.
A Memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady of Good Hope Church, 5501 62nd Ave N, Pinellas Park, FL 33781 on Sunday, September 13th, 2026 at 9:00AM with a Witness interment at Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd, Bay Pines, FL 33744, taking place the following Monday, September 14th, 2026 at 12:30PM.
