Eleanor "Norie" Wisniewski

Eleanor “Norie” Wisniewski (nee Berg) ascended into heaven peacefully on June 16, surrounded by her family and friends.  Norie’s passing marks the end of an extraordinary life, full of genuine love and tireless service.  Born in Darby, Pennsylvania in 1943, Norie attended Seton Hill University, in Greensburg, Pennsylvania.  After graduation, she taught elementary school in the Maple Shade School District, beginning her lifelong service to others.  Norie married Frank Wisniewski, their marriage spanning 56 years. She was the proud mother of 3 children: David Wisniewski of Philadelphia, PA; Kimberlee DeWitt (Max) of Richmond, VA; and Karen Hussar (Andrew) of Dover, MA.  Norie’s pride and joy were her seven grandchildren, Ellie, Max and Gray DeWitt and Drew, Sebastian, Sabrina, and Adeleine Hussar, who affectionately called her “Nan.”

Norie and Frank raised their children in Haddonfield, NJ where Norie was a pillar of the community.  Norie served as the Executive Director of Interfaith Caregivers for twenty years and in doing so expanded and modernized a compassionate source of transportation and care for the elderly and incapacitated.  Norie also devoted much of her time to Rotary International, promoting “service above self” both locally and globally.  She participated in Polio Vaccination clinics in India and supported organizations like Amigos de los Niños in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  Norie’s untiring efforts to better her community led to her being named Haddonfield’s Citizen of the Year in 2008.

Norie’s curiosity and adventurous spirit guided her around the globe – including trips to India, Egypt, Russia, Dominican Republic (building houses as a member of a yearly United Methodist Mission Team), Africa, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii and many visits to Disney World with her children and grandchildren.  Despite these extraordinary journeys, Norie’s favorite destination was the beach.  Any beach would do, but Norie particularly loved Avalon, on the Jersey shore, Port Royal Plantation on Hilton Head Island and the beaches of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.  Norie was happiest with her feet in the sand alongside her family and friends or reading peacefully in a red beach chair with a Hershey bar tucked in her red beach bag.

Norie’s love for and devotion to her family and friends was remarkable.  All who knew Nan regularly received greeting cards with her signature red return address label.  She never missed the birthday, anniversary or meaningful holiday of those she loved.  The majority of Norie’s retirement years were spent traveling up and down Route 95, with regular stops in Boston, New York City, Silver Spring, MD, and Richmond.  As her grandchildren’s biggest fan, Norie attended many sporting events, theatrical performances, and graduations. Notwithstanding her devotion to her grandchildren, Norie’s love and affection extended well beyond her immediate family to include her sister, Patricia Kelly, sisters and brothers-in-law, godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, colleagues and neighbors.

All are invited to greet Norie’s family from 9:30 to 10:45 AM and to her memorial service at 11 AM on Saturday, July 26th, at Haddonfield United Methodist Church, 29 Warwick Road, Haddonfield, New Jersey.  As it was Norie’s favorite color, red will be featured prominently at the Service.  Attendees are invited to celebrate Norie and her vibrant spirit by including red in their attire.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the “Norie Fund” at Interfaith Caregivers, 20 Chestnut Street, Haddonfield, New Jersey. (www.giftofalift.org/support-us)