Norma Wheelock, 73, of Aberdeen, passed away Tuesday October 4, 2022 surrounded by her family.  

Norma was confined to a wheelchair with Muscular Dystrophy for over 40 years, and although unable to walk she taught everyone she met how to meet the challenges of life one step at a time. She was truly the poster girl for all things worth celebrating-Faith, kindness, joy, humor and resilience. 

Born in New York City and raised in Tenafly, NJ Norma is a graduate of Tenafly High School and later started her working career in Fiat’s service department. Norma married at 24 years old and moved to Holmdel in 1977 where she raised her two children from a wheelchair and taught them to appreciate things in life that others take for granted. Norma was known for her generosity, radiant spirit, sense of humor and practical jokes (two of which were featured on America’s Funniest Home Videos). She was the family ‘hub’ with a gift for hospitality. Norma was also honored on the Regis and Kathie Lee Mother’s Day Special in 1996 and featured in VegNews magazine for her dramatic health transformation. Of all her roles, she loved being “Mima” to her 3 adoring granddaughters the most. Norma was the sunshine of her community and beloved by her neighbors. She prayed fervently for others daily, despite her own challenges. She was everyone’s hero and now everyone’s angel. The world will be less bright without her. 

Norma is predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law Carole and Vito Palazzolo. 

Norma is survived by her children Brian Wheelock and his wife Pamela and Jennifer Wheelock; her brother and sisters Tom Kelly and his wife Linda, Eileen Debo and her husband John, and Patricia D’Astoli; and her beloved grandchildren Jillian, Katelyn, and Molly.  

Visitation will be Friday, October 14^th from 4:00-8:00 PM at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Rd, Holmdel with a brief service of remembrance at 6:00. A service will be held Saturday, October 15^th at 11:00 AM at Calvary Chapel Old Bridge. A burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Middletown. 

Friends of the family have created a GoFundMe page to support Norma’s daughter and longtime caregiver Jennifer which is accepting donations in lieu of flowers: https://gofund.me/573f137d 

To leave a message of condolence or to share a favorite memory please visit Norma’s page at www.holmdelfuneralhome.com.