Norma Elias

Norma R. Elias, 94, of New Kensington, passed away Tuesday, November 30, 2021 peacefully at home with her loving family by her side. She was born on August 27, 1927 in New Kensington, PA, to the late George and Tamenie (Bitar) Hardy.

Norma lived in New Kensington her entire life. She was a full time wife, mother, and Sitoo, dedicating her life to her family. She doted on her 5 children, 14 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. She also spent many years caring for her parents, in-laws, and siblings with love and generosity.
Known for her delicious Syrian food, her house was always filled with family and friends. Norma and George had quite a reputation for throwing the best parties, especially on New Year’s Eve and Labor Day weekend. Friends from around the country enjoyed her hospitality, along with her kibbee, meat pies, grape leaves, and eggs and shunkleesh.
Norma and George spent many summer vacations with friends at church conventions all over the country and many winters at their condo in Hollywood, Florida. When they weren’t traveling, they could be found having a blast with the grandkids in the backyard pool.
An active member of St. George Orthodox Church, Norma served as the president of the Myrrh-bearing Society, and was also involved with SOYO for many years. She loved spending countless hours in the church kitchen baking and cooking with her church family. The family business, Elias Auto Body, was also an important part of her life.
Norma was blessed to have the most compassionate, kind, and thoughtful caretakers a family could ask for. Our sincerest thanks to Susie Febbraio, niece Terri Tallarico, Ellen Kaminski, Pam Richards, Marie Ference, Jake York, and Marie Shirey Cox.

Loving mother of George (Deby) Elias, Rick (Kitty) Elias, Jim (Linda) Elias, Laurie (Dave) Scarpitti, and Shelley (David) Bonk. Proud Sitoo of Craig and Jeff (Kait) Elias, Becky (David) Hayes and Michael (Alexandra) Elias, Bailey (Joe) Elias and Eric Elias, Nikki, David, and Dan Scarpitti, Christie (Max) Bonk, David, Casey, Carly, and Kelsey Bonk; great grandmother of Addie and James Elias, Lizzie and Jack Hayes, and Evie Elias.
Norma was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, George J. Elias Sr., her four brothers, Abe, Ralph “Skins”, James “Juby”, William and two sisters, Julia and Dorothy Hardy.

Family and friends will be received at St. George Orthodox Church on Friday, December 3rd from 2:00pm – 7:00pm (Trisagion Prayers begin at 6:30pm) and Saturday December 4th from 10:30am – 12:00pm. The Orthodox funeral service will follow immediately, also in St. George Orthodox Church, 1150 Leishman Ave., New Kensington, PA 15068. The Funeral services are entrusted to RJ Slater IV Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. George Orthodox Church Building Fund, 1150 Leishman Ave., New Kensington, PA 15068.