Obituary of Norma Podhorn

CHESHIRE - Norma M. Podhorn, 76, passed away at her home on December 8 after a long bout with cancer. She was the wife of Raymond E. Podhorn. Mrs. Podhorn was born April 24, 1936 in Watertown, NY, the daughter of the late Norman and Edith (Jones) Duffany. A longtime Cheshire resident, she was member of the St. Thomas Becket Church and was active in the Church Folk Group. After graduation from Illinois State University, she taught handicapped children for a number of years. In her spare time, she was active in Girl Scouts, the Catholic Youth Organization and amateur theatrics. Mrs. Podhorn had a spirit for adventure, and enjoyed traveling throughout her life. Art was something she also liked very much, and she enjoyed taking classes at Arts Place in Cheshire. Most of all she loved spending time with her family, and could often be seen going on family bike rides or cheering for her grandchildren at sports events. Besides her husband of 52 years, Mrs. Podhorn is survived by her daughters Deanna Rozak and her husband Jim of Cheshire, Susan Clarke and her husband Michael of Cheshire, and Martha Engber and her husband Michael of Santa Clara, CA; her sister Martha Gnadt of Rome, NY; her grandchildren Colleen, Christopher, Ethan, Megan, Brian, Sean, Ariela and Colter. She is predeceased by her sisters Peggy and Mary Ellen. Arrangements - Funeral services will be held on Saturday December 15, 2012, 11:15 from the Alderson Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 S. Main St. to St. Thomas Becket Church for Mass at 12 noon. Burial will follow in St. Bridget Cemetery. A reception afterwards will be held at Manor Inn Restaurant, 1636 Waterbury Turnpike, Milldale, CT. Calling hours will be held on Friday December 14, 2012 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to VNA Healthcare Hospice, 300 Queen Street, Southington, CT.