Norma Tonkin

Norma J (Beeman) Tonkin  passed away November 4, 2022. She touched the lives of so many, as a Wife, Mother, Mother-in-law, Grandmother, and  Great  Grandmother. She inspired countless children of the Syracuse community over 30 years as a devoted and beloved nursery school teacher at Erwin Methodist Nursery School.

 She was born in Chittenango and began mothering at an early age helping raise her nieces Judy and Joyce, who were more like sisters. She was a natural born mother, and it was her lifelong passion.

 She was amazing in every way, dependable, and a beacon of positivity during difficult times. She always had a kind word for everyone, and a helping hand when you needed it the most.

 She never missed your special day, always with goodies, gift baskets, and fun. Her birthday cakes were works of art that the grandchildren still talk about. No one had an artistic flair like her.

She was predeceased by her husband John, the love of her life. They are now soaring together at long last.

 Survived by her son John Tonkin (b. Jessica Cupoli), her daughter Nancy (Tonkin) Miller (Mark) and her grandsons Cody Tonkin, Jeffrey (Danielle) Miller, and Jordan Tonkin. She is survived by her granddaughter Stacey Tonkin and 5 great grand children.

 Asked how she’d like to be remembered she replied: “I’d like to be remembered as a good nursery school teacher”. She wasn’t only good, she was a great nursery school teacher and an even better Mom and Grandmom.

 At her request, services will be private