Norma Jane Walako

Norma Jane Walako, the beloved matriarch and vibrant heart of her family, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 92 years young. Born on October 18, 1933, in Jersey City, NJ, she was the daughter of the late Carmine and Rose (Cestaro) Barone. A graduate of St. Aloysius High School, she grew up in the Marion section of Jersey City before living in Willingboro, NJ, and later Topsfield, MA. Norma returned to New Jersey in 1986 to be closer to her loved ones and later made her home in Hunterdon County in the year 2000.

Over the years, Norma embraced her multitude of roles with energy and grace. Her last place of employment was at Premier Family Healthcare as a receptionist in Lambertville, NJ, where her warmth and smile welcomed all. A lifelong lover of food and community, she shared her gifts in the kitchen through her catering company and then as a personal chef for the family of General George Patton. Family and friends will forever remember her legendary ravioli, eggplant parmesan, pot roast, blueberry pie, and the Christmas cookies she lovingly gifted each year.

Art was at the center of Norma’s world. Her passion for painting blossomed in childhood and continued to flourish throughout her life. As a professional watercolorist, she proudly exhibited her work in numerous venues, including the prestigious Phillips Mill in New Hope. Her paintings, often inspired by nature and architecture, captured both beauty and emotion, each brushstroke reflecting her talent and appreciation for the subject. Norma generously donated her work to local causes, including the ShadFest Poster Auction, and remained an active member of the Hunterdon Watercolor Society. Even in retirement, painting was part of her daily rhythm. She also loved taking lessons in watercolor and Italian language at the Hunterdon County Senior Center, continually learning and creating.

She fulfilled a lifelong dream with two heartfelt trips to Italy, where she found inspiration and connection to her heritage.

Norma’s sense of style extended beyond her art—she had a discerning eye for design and elegance, evident in her home, wardrobe, and the way she carried herself. Her daughters cherished shopping trips with her, always amazed by her impeccable taste.

She was a faithful communicant of Our Lady of Victories Church in Baptistown, NJ, where many will remember her grace, kindness, and devotion to her faith.

Norma’s life was a beautiful blend of creativity, love, and laughter. She had a gift for bringing people together—family, friends, and even strangers—collecting them into her wide circle of love. She was like a second mom and an honorary aunt to many; family not by blood but by heart. Known for her quick wit and youthful energy, she was always the first on the dance floor and often the last to leave it. Sundays, Holidays and Summer pool time she liked to play rummy (usually winning), board games and Cards Against Humanity.

Norma was a mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a friend to many. She is survived by her children: daughter, Zanya Gissler of Frenchtown, NJ; daughter, Lisa Walako and fiancé, Charles Perelli, of New Hope, PA; son, John Walako of Upper Black Eddy, PA; and daughter-in-law, Alayne Walako of Danvers, MA. She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Meredith Walako, Michael Walako, Emily Papa (husband Anthony Papa), Hannah Walako, Kate Walako, Arnaud Spanos and her treasured great-granddaughter, Madeline Archuletta. She is also survived by her sister, Diana Cohen (husband Randy Cohen), and brother, Joseph Barone, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends who she considered family.

She was predeceased by her beloved son, Paul Walako, in 2024, her brother, James Barone, and her sister, Janet Lacy, in 1997.

Norma’s legacy will forever be one of joy, faith, and connection. She will be deeply missed and remembered for her smile and heart full of gratitude, and for the boundless memories she created.

A Mass celebrating Norma’s life will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Victories Roman Catholic Church in Baptistown, NJ. Her family invites all those whose lives she touched to join them in honoring and celebrating the beautiful life of Norma Jane Walako.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jim Hamilton Memorial ShadFest Scholarship Fund. "Individuals or businesses wishing to make a cash donation to the Jim Hamilton scholarship fund can do so by making a check payable to the Delaware River Towns Charities, PO Box 222 Lambertville, NJ 08530."

Arrangements are under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.