Norma J. Testa Walsh

Norma J. Testa Walsh of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2025, at the age of 89.

Born on December 16, 1935, in Aliquippa, PA, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Mary Testa. In addition to her parents, Norma was predeceased by her loving husband of 21 years, Michael Walsh; her sister, Carole Eidenmiller (Raymond); her first husband, Jerry R. Montini, and her second husband, Bob Hodge.

She will be deeply missed by her son, Jerry Montini, his wife, Linda; and her grandchildren, Tessa Keane (Adam) of Santa Barbara, CA, and Jonathon Montini of Berlin, MD. She is also survived by her nieces, Renee Targosz (Paul) and Edie Fiala (David), and their children; and by Mike’s family: his daughters, Lynne Walsh, Lauren Walsh (Gabriel), and son, Patrick Walsh (Debra).

Norma graduated from Slippery Rock University and began her teaching career at Aliquippa High School in 1959.  After moving to Delaware in 1967, she started working at Lankenau Hospital. However, her passion for education led her back to the classroom, where she taught health at Christiana High School and served as a Guidance Counselor at Glasgow High School. Norma always remained proud of her Pittsburgh and Aliquippa roots, and as a teacher, she sponsored many high school classes and enjoyed being invited to and attending numerous reunions over the years. After teaching, Norma moved on to the American Heart Association, where she played a significant role in opening their new location near Christiana Hospital, featuring a large educational display of the heart and healthy nutrition programs.  After leaving the American Heart Association, she became the Executive Director for RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) in Media, PA, and secured large grants to fund many of their programs.  Norma also found great joy at RSVP in coordinating appreciation events for the senior volunteers and hosting fashion shows to raise funding for the non-profit organization. Throughout her lengthy career, spanning over 60 years, Norma’s dedication to her work and love for people always radiated to her students and her coworkers.

Norma’s family meant everything to her. She spent many hours with her husband, Mike, working together on his sheriff campaigns, visiting local hospitals, bringing food to homeless shelters, and sometimes just relaxing by their pool. She played a large part in helping her son Jerry open “The Last Straw” furniture store in 1978. Jerry and Norma’s birthdays were a day apart and they never missed celebrating them together. Norma loved her two grandchildren, Tessa and Jonathon, dearly. She always attended their many school functions (rarely missing anything), being a cheerleader for their sporting events when they were younger and their biggest advocate as they became adults. She was always so proud of their accomplishments. Norma also enjoyed gathering with extended family and friends for numerous parties and celebrations over the years. She was always ready to bring her favorite dish and plenty of fun (or funny) activities! Norma enjoyed traveling to Italy, visiting the family’s hometown of Patrica, and meeting all her Italian relatives. She also liked trips to Las Vegas and Atlantic City with her mother and friends, and spent many family days at the Jersey Shore, soaking up the sun at the beach.

Norma had a big heart for animals of all kinds, whether it was a stray dog or cat, or simply feeding peanuts to the squirrels in her yard; she loved them all. She volunteered at many animal organizations, always lending a helping hand. Every Easter, she would dress as the Easter Bunny and visit children in hospitals, handing out gifts and candy. She even attended clown school and volunteered at hospitals and senior centers dressed as a clown to cheer people up. Norma was known for her effervescent personality—always fun-loving—her beautiful smile that lit up a room, and her kind spirit that warmed your heart. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

The family would like to offer special thanks to the staff of Ivy Gables, Compassionate Care Hospice, and Claudia Leon Vega for their tender care of Norma over the years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Resurrection Parish, 3000 Videre Drive, Wilmington, DE 19808, where family and friends may visit beginning at 10:00am. Interment will be held in All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faithful Friends Animal Society, 165 Airport Road, New Castle, DE 19720.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Norma J. Testa Walsh, please visit our floral store.