Norma Ingrid Ventre's Obituary
Norma Ingrid (Bornemann) Ventre, age 87, of Methuen, MA, passed peacefully surrounded by her children on Sunday, May 30, 2021. She was born on July 24, 1933, in Cartagena, Colombia, where her father worked for Standard Oil. Raised and educated in Bremen, Germany, she and her family survived a long and harrowing journey through war and across continents before landing together in New York. She often described her first glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, from a crowded deck in predawn light, as the most solemn and breathtaking moment of her young life.
She was a loving wife, proud mother, inspirational teacher, and cherished friend who dedicated her life to caring for her family and serving her community. She was a model of grace, determination, and courage. While Norma embraced those in need with boundless compassion and kindness, she had no patience for dawdling. She was as sweet and optimistic as she was thoughtful and empathetic, and the happiness and well-being of her family, friends, and students were her abiding priority. Norma was a Cub Scout den mother, Campfire Girls' leader, PTO president, and faithful fan at her children's many games and events. Norma also taught special education and reading for nearly thirty years at the Ashford and Marsh Grammar Schools in Methuen.
Norma studied education at Jackson College for women at Tufts University but graduated decades later from Lesley University and eventually earned a M.Ed. with distinction from Harvard University. She loved her students and admired their capacity to learn and persevere. Norma expected them to work as hard as she did and delighted in their success. She was thrilled to receive their many cards and letters from far and away and was always happy to welcome their calls and visits. Equally important to Norma were the many wonderful colleagues and close friends who taught with her. She was forever grateful for their support and always impressed by their selfless commitment to students.
Peter A. Ventre, Norma's husband of forty years, passed in 1994, but they are survived by their five children and ten grandchildren: son, Peter Ventre, and his wife, Elizabeth, and their children, Katie and Blaine of Cumberland Foreside, Maine; son, Jim Ventre, and his wife, Kristen, and their children, Elaina and James of Andover; son, Steven Ventre, and his wife, Colleen, and their children, Emma, Cole, and Jack of North Andover; daughter, Susan Comeau, and her husband, Jason, and their daughter, Felicia of Methuen; and son, Mark Ventre, and his wife, Amy, and their daughters, Olivia and Grace of Andover.
Norma was preceded in death by both her brother, Alfred Bornemann, and his wife, Margaret, of Milton, MA, but survived by their children: daughter, Karen (Bornemann) Broth and her husband, Mark, and their children, Tyler and Zachary; and their son, Mark Bornemann and his wife, Eileen, and their daughters, Erika and Jacklyn.
A private family memorial service and interment will be held at Elmwood Cemetery in Methuen. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Norma's memory to the Methuen Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 2005, Methuen, MA 01844. For online guestbook, please visit the funeral home website, www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Ventre Family.
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