John Bligh
- Retired Teacher
Norma Trivelli, a longtime language teacher at IS 240, Andries Hudde JHS, in East Midwood, Brooklyn, died of natural causes on Nov. 9, 2021, in Leesburg, Florida. She was 89.
“Norma gave her all to teaching her students,” said her daughter, Catherine Tourloukis. She called her mother an independent and unique person, who was a lifelong reader and enjoyed learning throughout her life.
Susan Forster, who worked with Norma at Hudde, recalled the Spanish teacher as a strong woman who was “lively, cheerful and friendly. Small in physical stature, she had a commanding presence and big personality,” Forster said.
Norma was a UFT member for 18 years. She retired in 1991 and moved to Florida, where she embraced life and her favorite activities, which included writing poetry, working in her garden, and listening to and teaching about opera.
Norma was a member of a theatrical group in Summit Greens, in Clermont, Florida. The group gave performances throughout the year, and Norma wrote and produced a show called Double Homicide.
Norma earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Brooklyn College, and she did postgraduate work at a Florida university.
She is survived by two sisters, five children, seven grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Norma supported and raised funds for the Alzheimer’s Association, and donations in her name may be made to the organization.
