Norma Craig Leaman

Norma Craig Leaman of Hollywood, FL passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at her family’s home in Dunlap, TN. Norma was born in 1928, to Dr. Norman Craig and Sarah Craig Barley in Washington, PA. Norma moved to Lancaster, PA in 1934, with her parents and sisters where she graduated from McCaskey High School in 1945. While attending Millersville College to obtain her teaching degree she eloped with her high school sweetheart, the late Donald Smith Leaman, on March 17, 1946, in Lancaster, SC. Marrying Don on St. Paddy’s Day would prove to bring them lots of luck as they spent 65 wonderful years together. In 1957, Norma moved to Hollywood, FL with Don and their three children. She taught her entire career in Florida at Madie Ives Elementary, where she received numerous awards, including Teacher of the Year, before retiring in 1990. Once retired, she became heavily involved in the Hollywood Women’s Club where she held the office of president on three separate occasions, while also being an active member of the DAR. Norma was an avid animal lover, from birds and fish to cats and dogs. Her home was a place where all people and animals alike were welcome. Her hobbies included camping and traveling with her husband Don, visiting different states and relatives across the U.S., and keeping an extensive and well-researched genealogy that kept her busy visiting many cemeteries; so much so that a relative once asked if she ever visited living people. Of all the things Norma accomplished, her greatest was her family including three children Donna Leaman Poggis (the late Dennis Poggis), Craig Leaman (Kathy), Jeffery (Luann Line), eight grandchildren, one step grandchild, 16 great-grandchildren and six great-great-granddaughters. Norma is survived by her sisters, Sally Johnson and Amelia Stauffer. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sisters, Jean & Jane Zangari and brothers-in-law, Anthony and Louis Zangari, James Stauffer and Norman Johnson, and stepfather, Clarence (Hank) Barley. A Celebration of Norma’s life will be held at The Groffs Family Funeral Home, 528 W. Orange Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. Friends are welcome to greet the family at 11:00 a.m. Interment will immediately follow the service at St. Joe’s New Catholic Cemetery, 175 Charles Road, Lancaster, PA 17603.