Obituary of Norma Susan Coonan

Norma Susan Coonan Carissima Zia Our beloved Aunt Norma passed away on Saturday, January 23, 2010. Norma was born March 27, 1920 in Tacoma, Washington to her parents, Ugo and Mary Benedetti. She was the oldest of 3 children. Her youngest brother, Hugo, preceded her in death along with her sister in-law Norma Benedetti. She is survived by her beloved brother Aldo (Maxine) Benedetti. Norma was married for over 40 years to Frank Susan, who died from injuries suffered in a tragic work accident in 1979. She married Frank Coonan in 1985 and they spent many happy years together until he passed away in 2001. Norma is also survived by her 3 nephews, Dr. Thomas (Jackie) Benedetti of Seattle, Richard (Karla) Benedetti of Tacoma, and Dr. Robert (Maria) Benedetti of Spokane. She is also survived by 7 grand-nephews and grand-nieces (allEBenedetti's) Allison, Michele, Daniel, Christine, Francesca, Brian and Brad, and great grand-niece, Zoey. Norma was a special person to her parents, brothers, nephews and their families. She also had many diverse interests and skills and excelled in each one of them. She was a master cook and loved to entertain. She developed an expertise in flower arrangement. She was a long-time certified judge for many statewide flower competitions, and a certified advanced instructor in Japanese flower arrangements for four decades. Norma worked for a number of years as one of the chief flower designers at Ghilarducci Florist and later in the same position at the downtown Peoples Department Store. Norma enjoyed traveling around the world especially her many trips to Italy to visit her relatives. Many of us accompanied her on these trips. She was devoted to her faith and attended St. Patrick's Parish in Tacoma for many years. She was a long-time member of the Catholic Woman's Club and Sons of Italy. She was a past president of the Red Hat Society she named "La Nostra Bellissima". Aunt Norma lived life to the fullest until the very end. The family would like to especially acknowledge Mary DeCuzzi (Rob) Cook and her family who brought much joy to Aunt Norma's life. She had a special affection for Fr. Seamus Laverty of St. Patrick's Parish in Tacoma who provided much comfort to Norma in her final months. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials in her name to St. Patricks's Parish. Vigil services (Rosary) will be held Thursday, January 28 at 7:00 p.m. at Piper-Morley-Mellinger Funeral Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick Catholic Church on Friday, January 29, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements by Piper-Morley-Mellinger Funeral Home 253-472-3353