Norma Perry

Our beloved mother, Norma Perry (Menga), 84, of Attleboro, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026, surrounded by the love and support of her family. Born on March 4, 1942, in Attleboro, she was the treasured daughter of the late Fortunato and Mary Menga, who lived in Mansfield. She graduated from Mansfield High School, and Bryant College.

Raised in a family of musicians, including her brother violinist Robert Menga, music was built into the very fabric of Norma’s life. She possessed the rare gift of perfect pitch, a testament to her brilliant intellect and sharp natural abilities. She found immense joy in returning to her roots later in life by taking organ lessons. Alongside her musical talents, she was an avid reader who constantly sought knowledge, and a passionate gardener who could bring life to any soil, creating spaces that were cleverly designed and beautifully tended. Norma joyfully shared clippings from her gardens with family and friends. Today, those living tokens of her love continue to bloom and thrive across gardens in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Norma was fiercely independent and had a very strong work ethic. These qualities guided her through every chapter of her life, including earning her college education and excelling in office management and bookkeeping positions. Known for her practical outlook, she always had a helpful comment or a sharp piece of advice ready for anyone facing a problem. Whether it was insight on how she would like you to vote in an upcoming election, a book recommendation, or an honest, insightful perspective on a complex issue, her observations left a lasting impression.

She is survived by her children, Doreen Perry (Eloy) from Pawtucket, RI, Mary Lou DeBaryshe (Stephen) from Bedford, MA and Joanne Leeuwenburgh (Mark) from Seekonk, MA and her adoring grandchildren, Jessica Drake (Dennis) from Pawtucket, RI, Parker DeBaryshe from Nashville, TN and Emma Leeuwenburgh from Seekonk, MA. She also leaves behind two great-grandsons, Michael Valentino and Kage Drake from Pawtucket, RI.

The family would like to thank Hope Hospice and the staff at Brookdale Attleboro for the kind, compassionate care that they provided Norma in her final days.

A private service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute at https://www.dana-farber.org/