"Heartbroken for all of you. I remember Norma coming to Rockport in the summers with her family . She was always a fun, cool and happy cousin to hang out with! I am happy I have such fond memories of Norma. I am glad we could connect through Facebook. I am so incredibly sorry for the family and friends she leaves behind. Love Jenny "
In loving memory of
Norma G. Riefer (Ievers)
October 24, 1956 - September 28, 2021
Norma G. Riefer
Norma was the youngest of five siblings born in Rochester, NY on October 24, 1956. She grew up a true "child of the 19th ward" on Sherwood Avenue. Norma was known for rounding up the local stray kittens and bringing them back home. She took great pride in her beloved dog, Joe. Using social media, she reconnected to many of her old friends and neighbors, sharing fond memories of their time in the neighborhood. She grew up visiting the 1000 Islands with her cousins from Rockport and loved to swim in the St. Lawrence River while spending time with her family.
Norma graduated from Gates Chili High School, got married, and had her son, Tommy, by the age of 22. As Tommy grew up, he and Norma were inseparable. She was the very best single mom; working at Love's Jewelers while taking Tommy on Cub Scout father/son camping trips, to NHL games, and to visit her parents who had retired to the 1000 Islands.
Norma met Mike and they married in 1991. Shortly thereafter, they became a family of five with the additions of Jessica and Lindsey and settled on Elmford Road. She became an important part of the community there, making plenty of friends and acting as a "second mom" to all the neighborhood children. Norma was a wonderful hockey mom, too, actively supporting Tommy through the youth and interscholastic years.
Norma spent her last 10 years in the workforce at Sherman Furniture Rental, making many friends throughout her time there. When it was time to retire, she took on the role as caretaker for the family. During the pandemic, she became the primary caretaker for her grandchildren, Jackson and Emma. She was a fantastic grandma to them, making sure to load them up with love and candy on a daily basis. Norma was the belle of the ball at Jessica's wedding and was overjoyed to be able to love and spoil her brand new grandchild, Michael James, in September.
Norma was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and friend to many. She will be deeply missed by those who were fortunate enough to have her in their lives.
September 28, 2021. Norma is survived by her husband Mike Riefer; children, Thomas (Krista) Vasile, Jessica (Joshua) LaFountain & Lindsey (Brad) Lynch; grandchildren, Jackson Vasile, Emma Vasile & Michael Lynch; sister, Barbara (Sam) Guarnere; brother-in-law, John (Vicki) Riefer; several nieces, nephews, cousins & dear friends.
Norma's life story will be shared during her visitation, Tuesday, October 5th, 3-7 PM at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane (between 390 & Long Pond Rd.). In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Camp Good Days & Special Times, 1332 Pittsford-Mendon Road, Pittsford, NY 14506 in her memory.
Tributes
"Jess....our love and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time...
Sending love hugs and support ?
We are here for you...
Katie and Nate Montana "
"God sure got one of life's finest when He took Norma Home. Norma loved her family!! I was lucky enough to get to know her as we worked on Jess and Josh's wedding together. We would meet occasionally as we prepared for the " Big Day". Norma would come with her notebook and every detail was attended to. She would say; " I want this wedding to be the dream wedding Jess and Josh want"!!! Norma lived for her family! I am so thankful I was lucky enough to know such a wonderful woman!!?"
"Our neighborhood will never be the same! I'll miss our chats. ?"
"Thinking of you Mike and Family: Your loss of a wonderful Wife, Mother, grandmother, Sister, and sister in law is overwhelming and shared by all. May you all cherish the many memories you have made with each other. Our love and prayers are with you all, Love Meno and Nancy Norma, My dear Girlfriend,"What you doing,Nothing"? I will forever remember that phrase,as well as What's up my love"?. I can honestly say after all the years we've known each other from down the street of Elmford, Meno and I just want you and Mike to know there you were the best neighbors anyone could have wished for. We have shared many happy times with our kids growing up.- Walking with Barney the dinosaur, decorating for Halloween, Mike scaring the kids, Pre school at St. Judes, Spencerport Years, Graduations, weddings, birth of our grandchildren, our daily fall leaf blowing before the truck came to pick up. The Kids playing baseball, basketball in the street and in the yards. Not to mention WWF . Your loving my dogs Sasha and Jaimee Lee as if they were your own. You were always there for me when I needed you happy and sad times. You stuck up for me when I kicked out a roudy kid from my yard who talked against Jaimee Lee. You were my Rock.-i could come to you and you always seems to say the right things to me to make me feel better. You were the neighborhood mom to my kids who truly adored you and Mike.- "I in your House"? We always shared the same Rainbow when it came out occasionally although I always reminded you it started at my house. We enjoyed the many yearly garage sales and always talked after about the certain people who wanted everything for a $l.00. I'm forever grateful for the person you are ,Loving,Compassionate, Unselfish, Loyal. You are a friend,I'm sure everyone will agree, that everyone wishes they had. I'm so happy you were mine. I will always cherish your gift you made me when we moved up to #4 a shadow box saying your only a phone call away and with a Rainbow. Meno and I are very fortunate to have shared and enjoyed the many years of memories with you and your family. Love to you always my Girlfriend, Nancy "
"Jess an family I just want to say how sorry I am for your loss she was a wonderful women an she brought up some awesome kids prayers to you all ??"
"Prayers to Mike and family, cherish the memories. Norma was a lovely lady and gave a great hug. God bless "
"Love and prayers to Mike and his family! "
"Norma?s favorite spot was on my swing and we?d talk about anything and everything?.. last week was our last visit that i will remember for the rest of my life. She was the most kind and warm hearted person you could know?.. she is in my heart and soul forever?. I love you Normal?.. the neighbors know that is not a typo?.. ????"
"I was friends with Tom growing up and naturally that meant a lot of time spent at the Riefer house. One of the reasons I had such a good time there was Mrs Riefer. She always made me feel very welcome, made some great food and had an unbelievably funny sense of humor. Mrs Riefer?s sense of humor was second to none. I remember always laughing in her presence and will carry those great memories forever. "
"Norma-you we?re truly loved by all of us! We will hold all the memories of you close to our heart. RIP love the DeMetsenaere?s"
"We go way back, Susan was my first roommate, I worked with Barbara at the telephone company and Norma and Tommy babysat my first born, Cherie, who is now 47!! Loved Norma Gaye. We have kept in touch thanks to Facebook and just recently chatted with her. This is such a shock and I?m so sad. She was a Ray of sunshine. Prayers going out to her family that you will find the strength to get through this difficult time and cherish the sweet memories you have made with her. God bless all of you. Much love, Vicki (Evans) Steele. "