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Meeting ID:  828 9356 7213

Passcode:  988756

Barbara A. Norelli (nee Thompson) passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on November 30, 2023, at the age of eighty-seven. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Michael, of 64 years. Loving Mom to Donna Smeck (Joseph), Michael Jr. (Marsha) and Barbara Duffy (Brian). Devoted Nan to Brian (Amanda), Rachel Leao (Tino), Michael III (Patience), Joseph (Sara), Sean, Caroline (Aren), Andrew, Stephen (Ashley), Matthew and Katherine. Great Nan to Rhemi and Jean. Dearest daughter to the late Wollard and Ellen (Nellie, nee Ludy) Thompson. Barbara is also survived by her loving cousin Joan Thompson, many dear nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

Barbara was born the only child of Wollard and Nellie Thompson on December 18, 1935. Barbara attended St. Martin of Tours and Incarnation grade schools and graduated from Little Flower High School in 1954. On April 19, 1956, at the Boulevard Dance Hall, Barbara met the love of her life, Mike. They were married on May 16, 1959 at Incarnation Roman Catholic Church.

After graduation and following in her father's footsteps, Barbara worked for the Philadelphia Electric Company. In 1960, after welcoming their first child, Donna, Barbara and Mike decided that they wanted her to be a stay-at-home mom. Within a year, they welcomed their son, Michael. And a few years later, their family was complete with the birth of their youngest, Barbara.

Barbara was a faithful servant of God. She was a very active parishioner of St. Katherine of Siena. She was a member of the Ladies Guild, CYO moderator, lunch mother, school library volunteer and chauffer for many of the aging Sisters. As one of the original parish members, Barbara tirelessly worked many parish fundraisers and events faithfully and quietly doing God's work. She consistently donated home cooked meals for Caring for Friends (FKA Aid for Friends). For 25 years, Barbara was Mike's secretary and bookkeeper for his favorite role of selling advertisements for the parish magazine, The Siena. Together they encouraged everyone to patronize the local businesses. Barbara was always the first to lend a helping hand to family, friends or neighbors in need by making meals, visiting, and running errands. She volunteered at Nazareth Hospital for a short time, and then for the next 30+ years, she loving cared for her grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Thursday, December 21, 2023, 6-8 pm and again on Friday, December 22, 2023 from 9-11 am at Burns Funeral Home (9708 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19114) followed by her Funeral Mass at 11:30 am at St. Katherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church (9700 Frankford Avenue). Interment Washington Crossing National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara's memory to Caring For Friends ( 12271 Townsend Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154) or Pennsylvania SPCA (350 East Erie Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19134) are greatly appreciated.