Obituary of Noreen Horsman
Noreen Horsman (nee Finnerty) 74, of Dover, NJ, passed away on May 15, 2017 at Compassionate Care Unit of St. Clare’s Hospital, Dover. She was born in Galway, Ireland to the late William and Bridget Finnerty (nee Sweeney).
Noreen immigrated to the US in 1963 and became a primary school teacher in Syracuse, New York. She was beloved by both her students and their parents. She achieved amazing things with her kindergarten students – most notably the many shows she successfully produced with them. Her singular best production was Peter Pan, which gained rave reviews from all who attended. Later, Noreen became a home health aide, where over the last 30 years, she continued her life of dedicated service to those who needed care, especially those confined to their homes. As was her way, she always went above and beyond the expectations of her work. She was still engaged in this work when she took ill on March 15, 2017.
Noreen is survived by Calvin, her beloved husband of 39 years; sisters Nuala Teevan and husband John Teevan; Sr. Catherine Finnerty; Josephine Murray and husband Sean Murray; brother John Finnerty and wife Geraldine Finnerty; her sisters-in-law Kitty Finnerty, Dorothy Wurman, Susan Allmendinger and husband David, Sandra Leonard and husband David, several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews; and many other relatives and close friends. Noreen was predeceased by her brothers Patrick and Michael.
Noreen will be remembered for many things in her life: as a dedicated teacher, compassionate care giver to those in need, her quick wit, and her renowned hospitality. Those who had the opportunity to know her also know of her love of her homeland - Ireland and her adopted home - US; cooking - including large family meals, superb Irish Bread, and other comfort foods. Noreen, will however, be best remembered as “Auntie Noreen” who lovingly cared for her nieces and nephews, and often took them, in her convertible, on fun adventures to Maine, the beaches at Sandy Hook and other Jersey Shore towns, Action Park, Great Adventure, and various other local children’s attractions.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 20 at 9:30 am at St. Mary’s RC Church, 15 Myers Avenue, Denville. Interment to follow at Locust Hill Cemetery, 168 N Sussex Street, Dover. Friends and Family may pay their respects on Friday, May 19 from 4-8 pm at the Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. Donations may be made in her memory to the Missionary Franciscan Sisters by way of www.inmemoryof-memorial.org. Please leave a condolence for the family.
Noreen,
May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sunshine warm upon your face. May the rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
