Norma Fleitman

Norma Fleitman Sang opera on radio and stage Norma Fleitman, 88, of Hazlet,passed away on Nov. 24, 2015, in Holdmel. Born and raised in Elizabeth,Norma had lived in Linden,and later resided in Hazlet. for 32 years. Norma was a child prodigy who, in 1935 at the age of eight, sang on WOR Radio under the stage name of Norma Lind, and sang opera a number of times on radio and stage. At 13, she interviewed and then received a scholarship to Juilliard, advancing early from Linden High School. In the fall of 1943, Norma began studies in opera at the Institute of Musical Art at The Juilliard School in New York City. In 1946, Norma sang opera at Carnegie Hall. Norma wore many hats during her lifetime, from musical prodigy, singing on radio and on stage with orchestras, to motherhood and working on political campaigns as an organizer and writer. Along with her love of animals, Norma had many interests. She was a member and president of the largest numismatic club in New Jersey from 1964 to 1966. She enjoyed classical music and jazz, movies, plays, books and all forms of art. Norma was predeceased by her father and mother, Morris and Sylvia Silverman Berg; her brother, William Berg; and her daughter-in-law, Alisanne "Sandi" Fleitman. Norma is survived by her son, Todd, and granddaughter, Katsumi, both of Woodbridge, her four nephews and a niece, as well as six grand- nephews and grand-nieces. A private memorial service will be held at sea. The family will be greeting friends and relatives at a separate time and date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Friends of Animals, www.friendsofanimals.org/donation/memorial-gift.