Norma McCormack Tappan, 81, of Lake Wales, Florida, entered eternal rest on January 24, 2025. Norma was born in Andalusia, Alabama on November 9,1943. Her childhood was spent in St. Petersburg, Florida, as the eldest of six children. Norma was a graduate of St. Petersburg High in 1961 and entered SPJC that same year. She had to interrupt her college education after getting married and having her son, Phillip. Norma started her professional career at Florida Power Corporation after her divorce. She managed to coordinate a busy work schedule, evening classes and the responsibility of being a single parent. She joined the Naval Reserve in 1985 and began serving as a Legalman until her Naval Reserve retirement in 2005. Her academic goal of obtaining a college degree came to fruition in 1987 when she finally received her MBA while continuing to work full time and raise her son. She met and married the love of her life, James Tappan, that same year. Her career as a Paralegal Secretary at Florida Power ended in 2005 after 35 years of service. She was a dedicated and committed employee who consistently went above and beyond, always demonstrating an excellent work ethic. Norma was a tireless worker who had an unwavering commitment and energy in both her professional and personal pursuits. Norma and Jim’s retirement years were spent managing investment properties, traveling, fishing, hunting and spending time together until his death in 2021. Her hobbies were baking, gardening and searching for antique treasures at garage sales. She was predeceased by her parents, Saverio and Shellie Scirica, her husband James, her son Phillip, and her brother Anthony. She is survived by her stepson, Jim Tappan, her sisters, Donna, Nina, and Veronica, her brother Christopher, a niece and several nephews.
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Norma was a fire ball in life, christian up bringing,I had respect for her for the challenging effort she gave to everything she done in her life time till we meet again in Heaven you will be
missed you are joined with the ones that had gone to our heavenly.father till we meet again rest in peace
Sending our deepest condolences to Norma’s family and friends.
Much love to Donna Gale who stood by and supported her sister in the hardest of times.
~ Blessings
My sister, Norma, passed away from this life into the loving arms of her Savior last Friday. The last three years were hard for her. She became consumed with restlessness, confusion and personality changes from Dementia. Her behavior, personality, and mood changed daily and we were left with a sister we no longer recognized. But what I remember most about my big sister Norma, was her tenacity. It is the quality displayed by someone who just won’t quit — who keeps trying until they reach their goal. That was Norma! She was intelligent, stubborn and a person whose energy and determination made her hard to oppose. I will miss her but I am thankful that she is now with her Lord and Savior…and finally at peace.
Love, Your Sister, Nina
Our love and condolences go to the whole family of Norma McCormack Tappan.
Going down memory lane tonight we want to say to Norma’s Family, we cherish all the wonderful times spent with all of you. We remember when our children were small, Donna, Norma, Nina, and Mother Shelly would get some Christmas presents together and Donna would bring them all wrapped up and would put them under the tree, the children’s eyes would light up, big smiles came on their faces, those were the most fabulous Christmas’s , we will never forget them. Such special gifts, you gave us delicious food, and most of all, it came wrapped up with love from all of you. You all will always be such a big part of our lives! Thank you! Bye for now Norma, we love you!
Freddy and Sylvia Clark