Norma M. Mulligan

Norma M. Mulligan, age 96, of Pompton Plains, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 13, 2020.

Norma was born and raised in Newark, NJ during the time of the Great Depression. She graduated from South Side High School with the Class of 1941 where she was a classmate of famous former New York City Mayor Ed Koch who she described as smart and very outgoing. Possessing a bit of a mischievous nature, during her years in attendance at South Side, she was known for occasionally cutting school to go see a rising star named Frank Sinatra perform.

One evening a few years after graduation, Norma was attending a military service dance. While enjoying the evening, she had the fortune of meeting a distinguished young gentleman named Robert Charles Mulligan. A loving relationship began which ultimately led to the exchange of wedding promises on Saturday, February 5, 1950 at St. Peter’s Church in Bellville.

After their wedding Norma and Bob’s adventurous journey as husband and wife began in an apartment in Bloomfield. This was followed by the purchase of their own home in the same town, and ultimately a new home in the Pines Lake section of Wayne where they lived for many years. When Bob retired from ABC Broadcasting Company, they moved permanently into their townhouse in Vero Beach, FL. They enjoyed some special years there until Bob’s passing in 1991. Norma remained in Vero Beach until her home was destroyed by two successive hurricanes in 2004. She decided to return to New Jersey and found a wonderful community at Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains where she remained to the present.

Throughout their marriage and during Bob’s career as an upper-level executive with the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), Norma loyally supported Bob in every possible way she could. One time she even cleared a field with Bob’s tractor so that he could land his plane. She drew the line though on another occasion when they flew to Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Upon landing, Bob wanted to camp together under the wing of the plane. Norma obliged for that night but that was the last. From that time on, it was hotels or Bob was going without Norma. Always desiring to make sure he looked as sharp and professional as possible, Norma frequently purchased the suit, shirt and tie combo that was displayed on the mannequin in the men’s department in the Sears Department Store because it looked so good!    

Norma was the most fastidious homemaker that ever lived. When visiting her home it was expected that you took off your shoes. This rule paid off very well because the white carpet that she had in her home for years never even got one stain on it. Being the granddaughter of a wounded Civil War veteran made a great impression on Norma and sparked a keen interest in reading historical novels. She was an avid reader who regularly read three books a week even up until just three weeks before her passing.   Norma and Bob also enjoyed spending nice days down by the water and sand along the West Beach near their home on Indian Road in the Pines Lake section of Wayne.

Norma was greatly loved and respected by her family for her sharp wit and friendly personality. She was a truly special person who touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone who knew her.

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In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Cedar Crest Village Scholars Fund, would be appreciated.

Make check out to:

Cedar Crest Scholars Fund

Mail Check to:

Cedar Crest Village

Attention:  Philanthropy Department

1 Cedar Crest Village Drive

Pompton Plains, NJ 07444