Obituary of Norma Dye Conz

Age 85, passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter Maria with her loving family by her bedside on Wednesday, January 13, 2021. Norma was born in Hornell NY, daughter of Lawrence and Margaurite Elster Dye. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by sons, Robert H. and Joseph M. Conz; daughters, Edith A. Conz and Barbara Jean Sparling; brothers and sisters-in-law, Gordon and Millie Mehlenbacher Dye, Mort and Frankie Kelly Dye; brothers-in-law, Duane York and Dick Bjorum. Norma is survived by son and daughter-in-law William J. and wife Bobbie Conz of Horseheads with their children, Robert (Raeanna) and Jennifer Conz; daughter Maria Bennett of Elmira with her children, US Army Warrant Officer II Darrick Conz (Jennifer), Sarah Crawford, Curtis (Amber) and Stephanie (Jimmy) Williams, Aaron (Brittney) and Austin (Madilyn) Wood; Edith Conz's children, David McDonald and Joseph Torrence; Barbara Sparling's children, James Bryant (Mary) and William Sparling; sisters and brother-in-law, Lois York, Irene and Karl Sick, Margaret Bjorum; 16 great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Norma was a stay-at-home mom while raising her children. She later went to work as a cook at Elcor Nursing Home and then to Lorenzo's Restaurant in Horseheads. Norma moved on to cook at Southside High School for 25 years before retiring. She had a love for flowers. While living at the Flannery Towers Apartments Norma started to plant and maintain the flower gardens on the property grounds. She was very decorative. Every Christmas she did a beautiful job decorating the front lobby at the Towers. Norma was an avid bingo player and enjoyed playing at Flannery Apartments and several other venues. Norma was an avid Yankee fan, and she couldn't wait for spring training to start. She took great joy in attending a Yankee game in 2009 when the new stadium opened. Her son Bill was able to get Norma interested in NASCAR racing and she became a Kevin Harvick fan. Her favorite TV shows were, The Price is Right, Jeopardy, and Wheel of Fortune. Norma was a communicant of St. Mary's Church and also attended weekly Masses at the Flannery Apartments. She was strong and had the will to fight and beat any health problem. Norma was always there for her family and friends, willing to help whenever needed. She dearly loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Norma never missed taking a trip to the cemetery to place flowers on her children's graves for their anniversaries, as well as all holidays and special occasions. Norma was prepared to be reunited with her children in heaven. She will be sadly missed by everyone who know her. We love you and will miss you mother. Until we meet again give Bobby, Edie, Barbie, and Joey a huge hug from us … our memories will last forever. Family and friends are invited to call at St. Patrick's Church, 604 Park Place, Elmira, on Saturday, January 30, 2021 from 12:00 noon to 12:45 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. A livestream of the Mass will be available through the Facebook page for Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish (https://www.facebook.com/ElmiraCatholic). For those attending the Mass, covid-19 protocol will be followed. Burial will take place Monday, February 1, 2021 at St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery. Those wishing may remember Norma with a donation to Meals on Wheels of Chemung County, 409 William St., Elmira NY 14901; Chemung County Humane Society and SPCA, 2435 NY-352, Elmira NY or St. Jude Research Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis TN 38105.