1920 – 2020
Putnam – Norma L. (Lucchesi) Cassettari, 99, formerly of Perry Street, passed away on Sunday, November 29, 2020, at Westview Healthcare Center. She was the loving wife of the late Leonello Cassettari. Born in Webster, MA, she was the daughter of the late Duilio and Dina Lucchesi.
Mrs. Cassettari was the owner and operator of Lucchesi Fruit. She enjoyed quilting and traveling. She was a member of the Arc of Quinebaug Valley and the Council of Catholic Women.
Norma is survived by her daughters, Marian P. Smat and her husband Al of Putnam, and Adrianne J. Cassettari of Danielson; her brother Peter Lucchesi of Eastford; her sister Alma Douglas of CT; her grandchildren, Jeffrey Smat and his wife Karleen of Brunswick, ME, Peter A. Smat and his wife Nicole of Hampton, CT, and Lana Trudo and her husband Peter of Pomfret; her great- grandchildren, Ryan Smat, Nicholas Smat, Taylor Smat, Hannah Trudo, Sydney Trudo, Alan Smat, Petra Smat, and Cole Smat; and her great-great granddaughter, Mia Smat.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence St., Putnam. Burial to follow in St. Mary Cemetery. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam, CT 06260. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Arc of Eastern CT, 687 Cook Hill Rd., Danielson, CT 06239, to Camp Quinebaug, 54 Taos Dr., Danielson, CT 06269, or to St. Mary Church of the Visitation, P.O. Box 665, Putnam, CT 06260. For memorial guestbook please visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Diane Bates
Marian & family
I am so, so sorry to read of Norma’s passing. Norma was a soft spoken, gentle woman. The last time I visited with her at Westview we had a lovely visit and we talked about many things from the past. Again, please accept my condolences on your mother’s passing. I will keep you and the entire family in my thoughts and prayers.
Paul and Marie Desautels
We are so sorry for your loss Marian. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Denise Thibault
My deepest sympathies to the family. She was a wonderful , kind hearted woman.
Shanon Sabourin
May she Rest In Peace . Thoughts & prayers to the family.
Richard and Diane Lavallee
Marian and family. So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all at time.
Gerry Tetreault
So very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was such a lady and I always liked seeing her. I’ve known her for a very long time. May she RIP.
Dave Babbitt
Deepest sympathy to Marian , Al and the family….May her soul Rest In Peace …
Diane Rasicot
I first met Norma in 1974 at Lucchesi’s Fruit Store when my family moved to Putnam. She and her husband would greet me and my little girls so warmly each time we shopped there. A couple years later I worked at a local bank and there, our occasional conversations continued until my retirement and later through mutual family gatherings. From my memories of Norma, I can say without a doubt that it would be difficult to find a better soul. My sincere condolances to her family.
Dawn Menoche
It was my honor and priveledge to care for and become friends with Norma. She was an anamazing lady and I loved hearing her stories and soaking in her wisdom every chance I got, even after my shift ended. Norma was always a light in a sometimes dark world and i will forever be grateful to have known her. Please accept my sincere and deapest condolences and may you all feel peace in knowing you have one mighty strong angel on your shoulder. Rest in Peace my friend. XO
Jeanne M.Trudo
So very sorry for your loss. Norma was an energetic and active woman. She will be missed.
Always enjoyed seeing her at family gatherings.
Jeanne M. Trudo
Ed & Charlene Durand
Marian & Al
We are so sorry for your loss. Our Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Karl R Kuhn
My condolences to the Smat family.
Mike and JoanneCoderre
Marian, Al and family, Sorry to read of Norma’s passing, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May she be at peace.
With Sympathy, Mike & Joanne
Susan Johnston
Norma was so passionate about the ARC. I had great respect for her strong beliefs to help developmentally challenged individuals. The ARC would not be where it is today without the drive from her and other families. My condolences to her family.
Rose and Vinnie Guarda
Our sincerest condolences for the loss of your mother. Many years ago we had the pleasure of her company and it was very enjoyable. She will be remembered with fondness.
Mike Waters
My deepest sympathy to the family. Norma was a wonderful person. So proud to have known her and her family.
Deborah Dunn
Marian , Al & family . …. So very sorry to hear of Norma’s passing….. Our family friendship goes way, way back…Lucchesi’s Store brings back such fond memories ….. Norma was a gem…My Mother held her friendship dear to her heart….. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you .
Our Sincere Condolences ,
Deb Dunn & Dolores Mercik
Sr. Madeleine Gregoire, DHS
Marian, Al and family. My condolence and prayers for your loss. May Norma rest in peace.
Jamie and Debra Heath
Marian, Al and Family: Deb and I are saddened to hear of your Mother’s passing. An amazingly long life, just shy of having live a full century. God’s blessings were surely with her and with your family that she was with you for so long. May she rest in peace in the company of the Angels and in the arms for our beloved Father. May God Bless each of you.
Jennifer Cassettari
Dear Family:
Norma was a special presence in my life. I remember when I was a little girl waiting with great anticipation for her visits with Leo, Marian, and Adrianne on Sunday afternoons. She was always ready to listen, help, smile and intervene when we kids got a little rambunctious. She has always been one of the enduring links between the present and the past, when my parents and my brother were alive. I know my mother would have been devastated to hear of her passing. They often spoke on the phone and Norma always mentioned to me how much she valued their conversations when I saw her in later years. What a gracious, funny smart presence she remained despite the ups and downs of life I miss her deeply and I know her passing has been a great loss to everyone who knew her, especially her beloved family.
Craig Douglas
Marian, Al, Adrianne & Family: I am so sorry for your loss. Aunt Norma was such a special soul. I have such fond memories of her that will remain with me for life. From the days at the store during my youth, family gatherings and later our visits. It is odd the things that we stir our emotions. On the day before our planned visit a few weeks ago, I was thinking of her, anxious to get to see her, and all I could think of was her risotto made with marinara sauce. It brought back many warm memories if family gatherings and her preparing it in her Church Street kitchen. She was a remarkable woman and business person and left her mark on this earth with her kindness, energy and devotion. She was one of a kind and I love her dearly. I regret I was not able to spend more time with her, but am thankful for the time we did spend catching up on family and reminiscing. She loved you guys so much and was so proud of her grand, great-grand and great-great grand children. And still with all those souls to keep track of and spread her love to she always had time and love to give to her nieces and nephews. Dad, Mom and I are so disappointed that the window closed on our ability to get to see Norma just two weeks ago. We are also so sad that COVID will stand in the way of our farewells, but we hold hear dearly in our hearts and minds and keep her in our prayers, as she did for us. She will remain with us forever influencing and inspiring the good in us for the rest of our lives. I will miss her! Love Craig
Sterling
Aunt Norma was a significant influence on my life. I have many fond memories of going to her home and having great family events. Sometimes my brother Craig and I would get to sleep over on weekends when we went to Putnam and we would get to stay up and watch Johnny Carson .
We have so many memories to list here but we all know she loved us as we loved her.
Truely a sad day for me.
Shirley and John Mercieri
Dear Marian and Alan,
John and I are very sad to hear of your loss. Ever since l met. Norma that fall day many years ago, l always thought of Norma as a gentle soul. She always had a smile and a gentleness to her that made you feel loved. Now both Norma and Leo are up there watching over you.
Shirley and John Mercieri
Dear Marian and Alan,
We are very sad to hear of your loss. Ever since l met. Norma that fall day many years ago, l always thought of Norma as a gentle soul. She always had a smile and a gentleness to her that made you feel loved. Now both Norma and Leo are up there watching over you.
Linda R. Lamoureux
My deepest sympathies to all of Norma’s family. I met Norma many years ago when I first started working for The Arc Quinebaug Valley. I came to know her as a champion for all people regardless of their “disability”. Norma was affectionately known as our “founding mother” as The Arc had its roots with her and other like-minded parents who began to meet in each others homes. Their belief was that all children should have the right to an education and training to live full lives in their own communities – not in institutions. In the early 50’s these children received no education or services and their families no support. Norma worked tirelessly on their behalf as an advocate and friend. She once shared that the group placed small donation boxes in local stores to raise money for a teacher and other resources the children needed. She often said that in all those years she could not believe how big The Arc grew to provide services to hundreds of individuals children, adults and seniors who had a disability. She advocated with Governors and state officials for money for programs and respite for families.
She was instrumental in the building of the John Dempsey Center in Putnam where individuals received supports and services. Norma had a strong faith which gave her the courage to move mountains! I will always cherish her friendship, the wonderful memories of all the times we shared through a common cause. She was a great teacher and encouraged us to keep going. She was an inspiration to so many. She never knew how many lives she touched and continues to make better because of her efforts throughout the years. Thank you Norma – your legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew you.
Blenda Salvas
My sincere condolences to you and your family in the loss of a wonderful woman. Hold your memories close in your heart.
Maxine Mann
Marian, Al, and family, With deepest sympathy and love,I remember Norma. A lot of memories come flooding back but mostly I believe it’s the end of an era and the end of our childhood ….. this might mean we have to be the grownups now! She was a kind and warm lady who will definitely be remembered .
Ginger beausoleil
I am so sorry but Norma you are now in peace and watching your family daily