NORFOLK – Norma Janet Flax passed away on May 22 at age 95.
Born in New York City on August 15, 1928 to Esther Sherris Ginsburg and Hyman Ginsburg, she was proud to have lived in all five boroughs before meeting her husband, Jack Flax, on a Norfolk tennis court.
Norma’s husband, parents, brother Ira Ginsburg, and daughter Patricia Flax-Jankosky predeceased her. Surviving family members include daughter Judith Flax-Rosenberg (Jerome Minskoff), son-in-law Michael Jankosky, grandsons Gregory Rosenberg, Bradley Rosenberg (Jennifer), Tucker Jankosky (Francessa), great-grandsons Cole, Luke, Jonah, and Otis, as well as several nieces who feel blessed to have had this loving and supportive woman in their lives for so long. Extended family and close friends will miss her greatly.
Norma attended Hunter High School in New York, Maury High School in Norfolk, and pursued higher education at New York University, William & Mary, and the University of Virginia. She obtained her master’s degree from Old Dominion University. Norma then applied her expertise in education and speech pathology across various settings, including Norfolk Public Schools, Crawford Day School, private practice, and volunteering with the BeAR program.
Norma’s parents instilled in her a love of music and the arts. She sang and performed with the Norfolk Civic Chorus and the Gilbert and Sullivan Savoyards for many years. She regularly attended the Virginia Opera, the Virginia Symphony, theatre performances, and art shows.
She volunteered as a reader for the blind at WHRO Public Radio, was an ardent supporter of equal rights for all people and was a lover of cats.
The family wishes to thank the caring staff of Beth Sholom Village, especially nurse “son” Jimmy Rocket, and Maimonides Healthcare.
Norma often told her children that “people will judge you by the company you keep” and she chose friends throughout her life who had strong values, were intelligent, caring, and compassionate.
A graveside service was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Please make a donation to Ohef Sholom Temple, MS Foundation, or a charity of your choice.