Norma Spero

Norma Spero, 96, passed away peacefully at her home in Pompton Plains, New Jersey, on June 5, 2026.

Norma was born on April 9, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York, to the late Eric and Elsie Lindberg. She was raised in Brooklyn, where she spent much of her life and built many lasting memories. She also spent two years living in San Francisco, California, a relatively short chapter in her life, but one that remained very meaningful and memorable to her, especially because of the many family members she had living there. For the past 17 years, Norma resided in Pompton Plains, New Jersey.

Education was always important to Norma. She valued learning, growth, and the opportunity to better herself throughout her life. She began her studies at Methodist Hospital School of Nursing, where she received her nursing accreditation. Later, as she continued to advance her career, she attended St. Francis College, where she earned a degree in administration.

Norma began her career as a nurse, a profession that reflected her caring nature and her dedication to helping others. She later went on to work nights at Augustana Lutheran Nursing Home in Brooklyn, and quickly became  Director of Nursing. Through her hard work, ability, and natural leadership, she advanced to become one of the head administrators of the organization. She retired from Augustana after many years of dedicated service.

Throughout her life, Norma was an active and involved person. Whatever organization, church, club, or group she joined, she never remained a passive member. She gave her time, her energy, and her ideas freely, and often found herself taking on leadership roles. When her children were young, she was an active member of Christ United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school for many years. She was also deeply involved with Redeemer St. John’s Church in Brooklyn, where she participated in many church groups, volunteered her time, helped with fundraising, and worked to better the church community.

Norma was also very involved in her children’s schools. As a mother of four, she was frequently active on the PTA board and often served as President. She cared deeply about her children’s education and always wanted to be involved and supportive.

After moving to Cedar Crest Senior Living in Pompton Plains, Norma continued that same spirit of involvement. After meeting a good friend who was also from Brooklyn, the two quickly created the Brooklyn Club, organizing gatherings, trips, and activities for fellow residents. It was another example of Norma’s ability to bring people together and take an active role in the community around her.

Along with her many clubs and organizations, Norma had a great love of travel. She enjoyed trips throughout the United States and Europe, especially to Sweden to connect with her family roots, which she treasured. She was also an avid reader and enjoyed keeping her mind active and sharp.

Above all else, Norma’s greatest joy was her family. She was the proud mother of four children, grandmother of ten, and great-grandmother of thirteen. She loved keeping up with the accomplishments, milestones, and lives of each member of her large family. Whether near or far, she wanted to remain connected and involved, and her family was truly the center of her life.

Norma was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joseph Spero, in 1983, her son-in-law, Joe Zapata, in 2013, and her brother Charles Lindberg Sr. in 2008.

She is survived by her loving children, Paul Spero and his wife, Susie, Valerie Zapata, John Spero and his wife, Liz, and Mark Spero and his wife, Kari. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Katie, Danica, Kristina, Eric, Joey, Andrew, Gabriella, Jacqueline, Ryan, and Jack; and by her beloved great-grandchildren, Grayson, Reagan, Dahlia, Ari, Natalie, Abigail, Carson, Caroline, Cooper, Lily, Caleb, Titus, and Jonah. Norma will also be truly missed by many family members, including sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A memorial gathering will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Boulevard, Watchung, New Jersey.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at The Cedar Crest Interfaith Chapel, 1 Cedar Crest Drive, Pompton Plains, New Jersey.

To In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Norma Spero may be made to: The Protestant Community at Cedar Crest, Attention: Judy Fye; One Cedar Crest Drive, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444. Please indicate that the donation is being made in memory of Norma Spero, or to a charity of your choice.

Norma will be remembered for her devotion to family, her lifelong commitment to learning, her leadership, her service to others, and the active and meaningful life she so fully lived.