Norma L. Savastano

(nee Paul), entered into life on January 23, 1928 and passed away on November 5, 2026 at the age of 98. Beloved wife of the late Michael, dearest mother of Deborah Savastano Kohn (Donald) and Sandra Savastano-Hagan, loving grandmother of Michael (Emily) and David (Ash) Kohn, cherished daughter of the late George and Annamarie (nee Cavalier) Paul, a fun-loving aunt to her nieces and nephews and loved by so many.

Norma Louise Paul was born on January 23, 1928 in Fairport Harbor. Her parents were George Paul and Anna Marie Cavalier Paul. Her mother Anna worked as a nurse at Lake County Hospital in Painesville. She tragically contracted tuberculosis and passed away when Norma was 18 months old. Her father George was a barber and owned a shop on 3rd St. in Fairport Harbor.

He needed help raising Norma and had to turn foster care. He eventually was able to have Norma live with the McKees, who were close family friends, though he was always nearby. When Norma grew into her teen years, she was able to begin living with her father on a full-time basis.

Norma lived a short walk from the beach on Lake Erie and spent her summers swimming, attending dances and roller skating with her friends. She attended Harding High School and graduated in 1947. Her first job was as a Candy Striper at the same hospital where her mother had worked as a nurse.

Norma met Michael Savastano when they both worked in Painesville. They married on December 12,1953 and moved into a home on E 218th St in Euclid. Their first daughter Deborah was born on July 9, 1955. Their second daughter Sandra Lee was born on December 12, 1959. In 1960 their neighborhood was torn down due to the construction of a new freeway. They moved to South Euclid where Mike had grown up and bought a home just up the street from his parents’ house.

Norma loved the holidays, especially Halloween. She got immense pleasure from making Halloween costumes for her girls. She loved baking and sharing cookies with family and friends at Christmas.

Mike and Norma were married 38 years when he passed away in December 1991.

Norma was not someone to remain idle and began working as a manager at the Hough Bakery in Mancuso’s Grocery store. After Hough Bakeries closed, she went to work at Gilmour Academy in their student cafeteria. She then worked at Brush High School in the cafeteria until she retired in 2012.

Norma kept herself busy reading, gardening, spending summers at the swimming pool with her friends and taking walks in Euclid Creek Park.

Norma is survived by her children Deborah (Donald) Savastano Kohn and Sandra Lee Savastano Hagan and her grandchildren Michael (Emily Tarr) Kohn and David (Ash) Kohn.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association . 

The “Last Hurrah” for Norma will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2027, from 12 Noon – 4 PM, at the Fairport American Slovenian Club, 617-1/2 Third St., Fairport Harbor, OH 44077. Private family burial will be held in All Souls Cemetery in Chardon. Arrangements entrusted to THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID.