Norma Jean Bessette
August 23, 1926 — August 13, 2022
Joliet
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Past Services
Memorial Visitation
Mass of Christian Burial
Inurnment
Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
12:30 - 1:00 pm (Central time)
Norma Jean Bessette
Born Norma Jean Kinsley on August 23, 1926, she was the daughter of James and Josephine (Pessina) Kinsley. Norma joined her husband Irving “Sonny” Bessette on August 13th, 2022.
Survivors include her loving daughters: Nora (Richard) Facchina and Amy (Alan) Singletary; sons: Robert (Deb), Patrick and Michael (Elaine), (14) grandchildren; (19) great grandchildren; two great-great granddaughters, and her brother-in-law, Pete (Donna) Bessette.
Norma was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Irving (2000); dear sister, Carol Ballak; fond brother, James (Dorothy) Kinsley, great granddaughter Kenadie and nephew Edward Kinsley, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and classmates.
Norma was born and raised in Joliet; attended St. Patrick’s grade school, and went on to St. Francis (The Academy) High School. Her first job was at the local dime-store, where she walked to work. Norma spent her summers visiting her Italian relatives in Herrin, Illinois, and taking the train to stay with her wonderful aunts. Everyone who knew Norma however, knew that it was her Irish heritage that she claimed the most. St. Patricks Day, corned beef and cabbage, and all things green were her pride and joy!
Norma was a homemaker until the Village of Shorewood called her to fill in. Her temporary position turned into full time, where she served the residents of Shorewood from 1982 until her retirement in 2001 at the age of 74.
She loved lottery tickets, the slot machines at the gambling boats and spending time with her family. Until her 93rd birthday, Norma lived independently until sustaining a hip fracture. She spent time at the Timbers of Shorewood and the last 2 years of her life at Harbor Chase of Plainfield.
Norma’s family wishes to thank Harbor Chase for the kindness and care they gave our Mom, and to Dora and Faye from United Hospice who helped her in her final days of need. Words cannot express how much we will miss her and her funny “Norma-isms”. Whenever you scratch a lottery ticket, think of Norma and be certain to drink a green beer on St. Patrick’s Day in her honor. It will never be the same without her.
The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at St. Ann Catholic Church, 24500 S. Navajo Drive in Channahon on Tuesday, August 23, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral service 10:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Rev. John Klein presiding.
Inurnment will follow in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, where Norma will be laid to rest with her late husband.
Family and friends are encouraged to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Norma’s memorial page online through social media.
Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815-476-2181) www.BaskervilleFuneral.com
Past Services
Memorial Visitation
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
9:00 - 10:00 am (Central time)
St Ann's Catholic Church
Mass of Christian Burial
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
10:00 - 11:15 am (Central time)
St Ann's Catholic Church
Inurnment
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
12:30 - 1:00 pm (Central time)
Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery
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