Obituary for Norma Townsend-Reid
Norma Townsend-Reid was born August 5, 1948 in Rock River, Clarendon, Jamaica, West Indies and was the second out of nine children born to Vincent and Daisy Townsend. She transitioned on March 17, 2023, at home surrounded by her family.
Norma finished her education at Denham Town High School in Kingston, Jamaica. She met, fell in love and married her young adult sweetheart, Philbert, and together their union had four children. Along with her family, Norma migrated to the United States in the 80’s where they settled in Cambria Heights.
Norma was always interested in healthcare and wanted to pursue a career in the medical field. She attended Allen School of Nursing where she achieved her nursing degree in 1986 and began working at St. John’s University Hospital as an ER clinical technician. Later, she joined the medical team at Mary Immaculate Hospital where she worked for several years. She then spent the remainder of nursing career working diligently at Queens General Hospital. She took great pride in her job and in the care of others; her heart of compassion shone through in every conversation shared with everyone who crossed her path.
Norma loved the Lord and was excited to share in the church community she called family. She joined Bethany Baptist Church and was baptized in 2001 under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Craig S. Brown, Sr. She was committed to serving on the Pastor’s Aide Ministry (as she loved her pastor), the CARICOM Ministry (as she loved her West Indian heritage). She was known for being zealous in her financial contributions; she loved to give! Norma was determined, even when she needed the assistance of an oxygen tank, to be in the sanctuary with her church family at every possible opportunity. She loved to sit quietly, with the sweetest, gentlest spirit – praising God, despite her own discomforts. She never complained but was always full of peace and grace.
In addition to her parents (Vincent and Daisy); she was predeceased by her son (Devon); Brothers (Hector & Roy) respectively. She is survived by her husband (Philbert – affectionately called “Gentleman)”, her son (Keith), two daughters (Paulette & Sharie), four brothers (Barrington, Gregory, Ferdinand, & Neville), two sisters (Icylin, & Rosemarie), three sisters-in-law (Ena, Yvonne & Marie), two brothers-in-law (Clifton & Frederick), eight Grandchildren (Yohanna, Raymond, Dayshawn, Keyaine, Keith, Sheneka, Chastity & Chastine) and many nieces, nephews, relatives and other loved ones.
“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10)
Loving submitted by the family of a virtuous woman – Norma Townsend-Reid.
Norma finished her education at Denham Town High School in Kingston, Jamaica. She met, fell in love and married her young adult sweetheart, Philbert, and together their union had four children. Along with her family, Norma migrated to the United States in the 80’s where they settled in Cambria Heights.
Norma was always interested in healthcare and wanted to pursue a career in the medical field. She attended Allen School of Nursing where she achieved her nursing degree in 1986 and began working at St. John’s University Hospital as an ER clinical technician. Later, she joined the medical team at Mary Immaculate Hospital where she worked for several years. She then spent the remainder of nursing career working diligently at Queens General Hospital. She took great pride in her job and in the care of others; her heart of compassion shone through in every conversation shared with everyone who crossed her path.
Norma loved the Lord and was excited to share in the church community she called family. She joined Bethany Baptist Church and was baptized in 2001 under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Craig S. Brown, Sr. She was committed to serving on the Pastor’s Aide Ministry (as she loved her pastor), the CARICOM Ministry (as she loved her West Indian heritage). She was known for being zealous in her financial contributions; she loved to give! Norma was determined, even when she needed the assistance of an oxygen tank, to be in the sanctuary with her church family at every possible opportunity. She loved to sit quietly, with the sweetest, gentlest spirit – praising God, despite her own discomforts. She never complained but was always full of peace and grace.
In addition to her parents (Vincent and Daisy); she was predeceased by her son (Devon); Brothers (Hector & Roy) respectively. She is survived by her husband (Philbert – affectionately called “Gentleman)”, her son (Keith), two daughters (Paulette & Sharie), four brothers (Barrington, Gregory, Ferdinand, & Neville), two sisters (Icylin, & Rosemarie), three sisters-in-law (Ena, Yvonne & Marie), two brothers-in-law (Clifton & Frederick), eight Grandchildren (Yohanna, Raymond, Dayshawn, Keyaine, Keith, Sheneka, Chastity & Chastine) and many nieces, nephews, relatives and other loved ones.
“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10)
Loving submitted by the family of a virtuous woman – Norma Townsend-Reid.