Norma M. Ransom (nee Williams)

Norma Margaret Ransom, 88 of Elderwood Nursing Home, Williamsville, NY, formerly of Avon Park, FL and Watts Flats NY, died peacefully at 4:43 am Monday in the nursing home. Norma was born in Jamestown, NY on August 18th, 1936, the daughter of Vincent and Alverna (Akins) Williams. She was the widow of Philip N. Ransom, who died March, 1, 2010.

Norma was a 1953 graduate of Chautauqua Central School and later graduated from Carnegie Institute, Cleveland, OH. At age 17, Norma was crowned “Miss Automotive Progress” for Jamestown Auto Dealers. Norma served many years as Secretary for Chautauqua Co. Federation of Rural Cemeteries. She was a member of the Ashville PTA, and the Ashville United Methodist Church, where she served as Treasurer. She enjoyed working as a Teacher’s Aide for Erie 2, Chautauqua Cattaraugus Boces for 18 years. Norma was a member or NEA/NY and served as President of the local chapter for 4 years. She also worked at the national level to represent Educational Support Staff for the union and won several awards for her leadership. Norma was a talented quilter and gardener and avid reader.

She loved to travel, was a wonderful cook, and enjoyed playing cards and Scrabble. She will be remembered for her friendly optimism and “can do spirit”– always busy and ready to help others. She showered her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with love and her undivided attention –always very interested in what they were doing and truly was their biggest cheerleader!!

She is survived by two daughters, Vicki (Jim) Smith of Webster, Julie (Ken) Davidson of East Amherst, and a son Larry (Gina) Ransom of Lockport. Ten grandchildren: Seth (Pittsboro,NC), Amanda (East Aurora), Cora (Wesley Chapel, FL), Olivia (Cabot, AR), John (Lockport), Conner (Buffalo), Carson (Lockport), Ben (CT), Nathan (Maui), Abigail (Seattle, WA), and eleven great grandchildren: Haylie, Wesley, Madelyn, Lucille, Eloise, Archer, Ian, Jack, Emilia, Ryan and Garrison. She is also survived by a sister, Lora Maldonado and two nieces, Carla and Mindy — all of Texas.

Besides her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Bruce Williams who died July 5, 1957. A memorial service will be held Friday, Aug 30 at Amigone Funeral Home on Sheridan Dr in Williamsville where friends will be received from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm.

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