Norma Leedham

Norma Ann Leedham (nee Sears), 84, passed away on March 31, 2022 in Bellevue, Washington, her adopted home for the past 17 years. Norma was born in Providence, Rhode Island on November 21, 1937 to first-generation Portuguese Americans Roland J. Sears and Mary C. Sears (nee Costa) and raised a Catholic. Her formative years were spent in Attleboro, Massachusetts alongside her loving siblings Roland Jr. and Janet. Her parents ran Sears Burner Service, and it was through them that she learned early in life the value of hard work. Norma embraced her high school years and achieved much success in her role as Class Secretary. She also joined the tennis and glee clubs, was a member of Tri-Y, and served on numerous committees. Her Senior Yearbook states that she was “Pert and sweet - And a pleasure to meet.” This maxim would hold true throughout her adult life.

Norma went on to study interior decorating at Chamberlayne Junior College in Boston, Massachusetts. Before completing her degree, she would meet and marry a hometown fellow, Edmond F. Leedham Jr., and together they settled near the Connecticut shore where they would raise their three children. For seven years Norma worked nights as a Correctional Officer at Niantic Correctional Institution to help realize her husband’s dream of becoming the proprietor of John Elion Shoes in Groton, Connecticut which he had faithfully managed for several years before taking ownership in 1971. She would eventually join her husband in running and dramatically growing the business for nearly 20 years. Her flare for design and keen eye for color and fabrics was put to good use as she single-handedly refurbished the store and adorned the storefront windows each season with a show-stopping display. Norma wore many other
hats including sales, bookkeeping, dying formal footwear, and retail buying.

Giving was Norma’s hallmark and she derived enormous joy in bestowing her brand of love on family, friends, and even strangers. It was not uncommon for her to offer free credit to a large family with little means so that each child could start school with proper fitting shoes and sneakers. Her example of generosity and compassion would have a lasting effect on her children.

Norma never lost sight of what she considered her most important mission in life - raising her three children and instilling the value of hard work, a strong conscience, and a proper education. She eventually encouraged each one to leave the nest, attend college and beyond, and find their place in the world. She fostered curiosity and a sense of adventure, instilling a love for foreign lands, food, and languages. Norma was extremely proud of her three children and the adults they had become. She felt they were her greatest accomplishment.

Norma was strong in her convictions and was passionate about the things she cared about most. She was loyal to those she loved, and family meant the world to her. She was a true patriot and remained steadfast in the importance of preserving America's rich history and the ideals of its founding fathers. Above all, she valued personal freedom.

Norma was an avid reader and often had a multitude of books by her bedside. She was always learning and sharing her knowledge with others, particularly on the topic of natural medicine. She had the gift of the gab and always enjoyed a good laugh. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother as well as a faithful friend. Her love and caring spirit will remain with all who knew her.
Norma will be reunited with her dearly loved husband Edmond Jr., who predeceased her in 1989, in a private burial service at Newell Burying Ground in her beloved Attleboro, Massachusetts.

Norma leaves behind her son Edmond III and his wife Sophie (van Til) of London, England, her daughter Tammie Jane and her husband James Orefice of Fairfax, Virginia, her daughter Marybeth and her husband James Michael Johnston of Medina, Washington; grandsons Michael Johnston and his wife Tate (Foster), Wesley Johnston, Clayton Johnston, James Orefice Jr., Julian Leedham and Tobias Leedham; granddaughters Brittany Johnston and Jessica Orefice; great grandsons Kai Johnston and William Johnston, her beloved sister-in-law Marge Sears and many loving nieces and nephews.