Norma J. Emerson, 77, of Waterville, NY passed away July 2, 2020 at the Presbyterian Home in New Hartford. Norma was born in Auburn to Edwin and Cecelia (Sullivan) Hierholzer. She grew up in Jordan. She was a cheerleader and graduated from Jordan High School in 1961. Norma graduated from St. Elizabeth’s School of Nursing in Utica in 1964. Norma worked in nursing and taught for many years including at Hartwick College and back at St. Elizabeth’s School of Nursing. Norma was very energetic, loved animals, loved to entertain, garden and travel. She was very active at St. Bernard’s Church in Waterville. Her brother Jim Hierholzer lives in Baldwinsville. Her sister Lois Blumer passed away in 2018. Norma had 3 children: David (Maureen) Van Slyke of Baldwinsville, Richard (Tricia) Van Slyke of Greensville, SC, and Christine (Meghan Conley) Van Slyke of Framingham, MA. Norma was predeceased by her second husband David Emerson in 2011. She gained 6 children when she married David: Robert (Joanne) Emerson, Wendy (Paul) Thompson, Gina Emerson, Randy Emerson, Rick Emerson and Russell Emerson. Norma had 16 grandchildren Elizabeth, David Jr., Sarah, Joseph, Alexandra, Nathan, Abigail, Joshua, Brenna, Megan, Patrick, Emily, Tyler, Ashley, Makenna and Trevor, and 3 great grandchildren Luke, Emma, and Castiel.

Calling hours for the family will be Tuesday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 9am Wednesday in St. Patrick’s Church, Jordan. Masks, social distancing and church seating limitations will be observed. Rite of Committal and Burial will be in St. Bernard's Cemetery, Waterville, NY