Norma Cecilia Eckenrode Caravella

Norma Cecilia Eckenrode Caravella, age 91, of Freehold, NJ, passed away on January 5, 2024, at her home. Born on November 9, 1933, she was the second of two children born to Norman Eckenrode and Helen Hartnett. Norma married Gene Caravella in 1961, and together they were blessed with five children, ten grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

She was a loving mother to Andrea Hayes, Eugene Caravella, Mark Caravella, Cynthia McDonald, and Nicole Schwarz. As a grandmother, she cherished her time with Anthony Caravella, Tim Hayes, Jaime Leigh Caravella, Taylor Dodge, Jillian Caravella, Megan Hayes, Devin Caravella, Amanda McDonald, Matthew Schwarz, and Emma Schwarz. Her great-grandchildren include Harper Hughes, Benji Hughes, Juliana Caravella, Jackson Caravella, Elena Caravella, and Ivy Dodge.

Norma attended Catholic grammar school and later went to public high school, where she was a majorette and baton twirler. After graduating, she worked as a secretary for various law firms and enjoyed traveling to different countries, including Mexico and on a Trans-Atlantic cruise through many countries in Europe.

She met Eugene Caravella at a church social, and they married on February 12, 1961. Although Norma spent most of her life in New Jersey, she also resided in California and Arizona in the early years of their marriage. As a devoted mother, she found great joy in parenting, serving as a Cub Scout Den Mother, getting involved in her church, and supporting her children’s activities. Norma also sold Avon for many years during the 1980s and 1990s.

An artistic soul, Norma loved crafting, decorating for holidays, baking and decorating cookies with her children. She enjoyed making her children’s clothing, Halloween costumes, and crocheting blankets for her children and grandchildren over the years. The beach was always a favorite retreat for her, and she treasured the time she spent with her grandchildren as they grew up.

Norma is preceded in death by her husband Gene Caravella, her grandchild Jaime Leigh Caravella, her brother Robert Eckenrode, and her parents Norman Eckenrode and Helen Hartnett. We take comfort in knowing that she has been welcomed into the arms of Jesus and is celebrating with all who have gone before her.

In accordance with Norma's wishes, no funeral will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider making an online donation in her memory to the Dementia Society of America at www.dementiasociety.org/donate

Services are entrusted to Jersey Shore Cremation, 43 Taylor Avenue, Manasquan, NJ.