Norma Jean Totman

Norma J. Neal Totman, 94, of McLean, NY left us on June 14, 2026, to go meet her maker. Norma was born on July 30, 1931, in Syracuse, NY; the middle daughter of Ralph Neal and Lulah Light Neal Foster.

She graduated from Homer Central School with the class of 1948. She maintained an interest in the whereabouts of her classmates and served on several reunion committees. Norma was very proud that although in her 40’s, she was able to obtain the education needed to pursue a new career by completing work at SUNY Cortland College.

In her early years, she worked for the NY Telephone Co. in Cortland, first at the old manual board on Central Ave., and then at the Groton Ave. office, where she helped train operators when Cortland went to dial. She also worked at SCM (Smith Corona) before becoming affiliated with the Dryden Central School District in 1968. She began as a clerk/receptionist in the McLean Elementary School and eventually obtained a teaching position at the Freeville Elementary School where she taught 1st and 2nd grades for 20 years.

Norma was a 74-year member of the McLean Community Church and a 25-year member of the former McLean Book Club, a 74-year member of the McLean Fire Department Auxiliary. Among other interests was the genealogy of the Neal and Totman families. She hosted the annual Totman Reunion for several decades. Participation in community events has served as a model to her family that community service is an important part of a happy, fulfilling life.

She is survived by her son, Dennis (Julie); daughter in law, Kathryn “Kitty”; grandchildren, Denny (Melissa), Jim, Chad (Katie), Trevor (Erica), Nick (Tyler), and Naydine; great grandchildren, Xavier, Cameron, Jacob, Julia, Max, Kyle, Cora, and Russcelia. Norma is also survived by her sister, Audrey Waterson of Scott; several nieces, nephews and long-time friends Dolores Hicks and Marietta Miller.

Norma is predeceased by her parents, her husband of 59 years, George Totman (Jan. 2014); her son, Michael (2020); and her sister, Dorothy “Dot” Wingenbach (1997).

Visitation will be held 4-6:00PM at Perkins Funeral Home on June 19, 2026, with a funeral service following on June 20, 2026, at 10:00AM. Immediately following the service, Norma will be interred at the McLean Rural Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the McLean Fire Station, McLean Church, and McLean Cemetery.