LYNN — Norma V. (Coleman) Whalen, age 88, of Lynn, died Tuesday in the Kaplan Family Hospice House after a lengthy illness. She was the wife of the late William F. Whalen. Born in Lynn, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Mary “Maisie” (Ward) Coleman. A lifelong Lynn resident, she was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School, Class of 1946.
Prior to her marriage, Norma was the secretary to the manager of engineering of the Small Aircraft Engine Department of the General Electric Company. Years later, she was a typesetter at the Lynn Sunday Post. She was a communicant of St. Pius V Church, and a member of the Ladies Sodality. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family.
Norma is survived by her three children; Cherie Maestranzi and her husband Paul, Cindy Hudson, and Keith Whalen and his wife Donna, and her daughter-in-law Jennifer Whalen, all of Lynn; five grandchildren; Lauren Hudson and her fiancé Michael Lepley of Salem, Patrick Whalen, Billy Whalen, Kevin Whalen, and Brigette Whalen, all of Lynn; as well as two nephews; Larry Patten and his wife Judy, and Michael Patten and his wife Leslie. She was the mother of the late Brian Whalen and sister of the late Audrey Patten.
Service information: Her funeral will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m. from the SOLIMINE Funeral Home, 426 Broadway (Rt 129), Lynn, followed by a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. in St. Pius V Church. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours are Monday from 4-8 p.m. It is the preference of the family that flowers not be sent, and that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to St. Pius V School, 28 Bowler St., Lynn, MA 01904. Directions and guestbook at Solimine.com.