Mary Norma (deNobrega) Heffernan

Mary Norma (deNobrega) Heffernan, 97, of Clifton Heights, PA passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025.   

She was born June 7, 1928 to Clement and Adelaide (Figueira) deNobrega in New York, New York.  While on a trip with girlfriends in 1947, she met Earl, a handsome World War II veteran, on a hayride in the Poconos, and they married on February 18, 1950 in Philadelphia. Together they were active members of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Springfield PA, raised a family of 5 children, and had many wonderful family holidays and gatherings at their vacation homes in White Haven, Pennsylvania and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. 

Norma’s lifelong passion was sewing.  She made clothes for her young family, enjoyed making handicrafts of all kinds, and participated in local craft fairs for many years.  Her greatest joy came from making quilts for family and friends, often giving them as loving gifts for all occasions.

Norma was pre-deceased by her husband Earl Heffernan Sr., son James Heffernan Sr., daughters Mary Anne Davidson, Linda Amato and Susan Heffernan; and her brothers Carl and Philip DeNobrega.  Norma is survived by her son Earl (Rick) Heffernan Jr., his wife Charlene; daughter-in-law Cheryl Heffernan; and son-in-law Ted Davidson.  Also surviving are 12 grandchildren (Christine, Sheryl, James Jr., Lucas, Carrie, Jessica, Samantha, Christopher, Laura, Lauren, Amy and Melissa), eleven great-grandchildren (Ella, Paxton, Mason, Evan, Sloane, Ayda, Dante, Maya, Mateo, Ethan and Ivy); her sisters-in-law Marie Hannelly, Fran Heffernan, and Anita DeNobrega; and numerous nieces and nephews. Norma was compassionately cared for in her final years by the loving staff at Little Flower Manor in Darby.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Viewing Saturday, August 23, 2025 9:30 am Holy Cross Church, 651 E. Springfield Rd., Springfield, PA 19064 and to her Funeral Mass 10:30 am in the Church. Interment will be at Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Norma’s memory to Little Flower Manor – Activities Department, 1201 Springfield Road, Darby, PA 19023.

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