Norma Chernekoff

Norma Chernekoff, 94, recently of The Woodlands, Texas, passed away peacefully May 30, 2022, in the comfort of her family, after complications from a stroke.

She was born Norma Shirley Schier in the Sunnyside neighborhood of Queens, New York City, to Mae and George Schier on January 8, 1928. Her parents passed away young, leaving Norma by age nine, and she and her older sister Bunny were raised by their maternal grandparents and five maternal aunts. She graduated at night from Newtown High School in the Queens, working during the day. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, she worked in New York City, including for Warner Brothers, and sang in local clubs and in singing contests, winning a few.

In 1953, she married the late Joseph Chernekoff of Philadelphia, PA, a local businessman in Southeastern PA, and set up home and raised a family in Philadelphia. In 1966, the family relocated to Wilmington, DE. Joseph passed away in 2006. Norma moved to The Woodlands, TX in 2019 to be closer to her family. During her years in Wilmington, Norma worked at the Jewish Community Center, supported other Jewish organizations, and enjoyed singing in her synagogue's choir. She was also a realtor and owner of a small resale shop.

Norma dedicated herself to being a great mother and grandmother. She was an outgoing person who easily made friends and loved and cherished her friendships. She was inquisitive and sought out knowledge. She read voraciously, loved movies and theater, wrote poems and was an outstanding cook always happy to share a recipe.

She is survived by her three sons: Michael (and wife Rhonda Russell) of The Woodlands, TX; Gerald (and wife Jeanine Colla) of Pensacola, FL; and Gary (and wife Cheryl) of Pensacola, FL. She is also survived by four grandchildren (Lauren Chernekoff of New Orleans, LA, Stephen Chernekoff of Seattle, WA, Sarah Oliver of Pensacola, FL, and Rachel Matsoukas of Pensacola, FL), and four great-grandchildren. Additionally, she is survived by nephew Alan Solkin of Philadelphia, PA, and niece Mindy Solkin of Philadelphia, PA, the children of her dear late sister, Bernice "Bunny" Solkin. She also leaves behind several close friends.

A memorial service honoring Norma's long and wonderful life is being planned to be held at Congregation Beth Shalom, Wilmington, DE, on Sunday August 28, 2022. Details will be announced later. The family requests that any donations be made to the Anti-Defamation League (https://www.adl.org/) or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/).