Mrs. Hancock attended Plymouth State College where she graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. During WWII Norma and her husband, Andrew lived in Washington D.C., where she directed operations for the American Red Cross. Upon her resignation to the Red Cross she was awarded recognition for her loyal and faithful service from the Chairman of the Red Cross and Captain of the Warehouse Division.
Norma was a devoted mother of three boys to whom she passionately supported and encouraged. Professionally Mrs. Hancock was known as pioneer with a high sense of ethical responsibility. Throughout her tenure as an educator she completed her Master of Education at American International College, served as President of the Massachusetts Association for Children with Learning Disabilities, coordinated state and regional special education conferences, created and directed the Tantasqua and Union 61 School Districts Learning Disabilities Program and developed the Massachusetts pilot in-service programs for teacher training in conjunction with the Massachusetts General Hospital Reading Clinic. Upon retiring from public education she became a Child Advocate of Northeast Connecticut, co-founded and directed Tall Timbers Camp and was the Editor of Massachusetts Specific Learning Disability Gazette. In her personal life she enjoyed traveling, politics, gardening, skiing, swimming and saltwater fishing. She served dutifully as Senior Warden, among many other positions at Holy Trinity Church and coordinated scholarships for the diocesan youth to Bement Camp and Conference Center.
Mrs. Hancock is survived by her two brothers Thayer and wife Janet, David and wife Marty Wade, her three sons, Wade, Andrew, wife Shelly and David Hancock, her grandchildren Norma, husband Steve Craffey, Kyle wife Rena, David wife Lynzie and Sarah Hancock, and her four great-grandchildren, Emmanuel Craffey, Chrystopher, Nathyniel and Micaylah Hancock, as well as many beloved friends. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Northeastern Connecticut at Day Kimball Hospital. A memorial service will be held in her honor at Holy Trinity Church, Southbridge Massachusetts on Saturday, September 28, 2013 at eleven o'clock. A private family burial will follow.
