Norma Jean Mitrani

Norma Jean Mitrani passed away on November 12, 2025, at the adult family home where she resided for the past 8 years. She came from a large family of 10 children and grew up on farms in Maine and New Hampshire. Her early, hard-scrabble years instilled in her a deep sense of resilience and determination, qualities that she carried throughout her life. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

After graduating high school, she attended business school and excelled in her studies. She began her career in Washington, D.C. with the Civil Aeronautics Administration as a secretary and it was there that she met her husband, Robert L. Mitrani (1925 - 1993). They were married in Chicago and had two children - Carol and Joseph, who were raised in New Jersey. Norma eventually returned to work as a legal secretary and worked for law firms until she retired in 1998. At 61 years old, she moved to Seattle to be with her daughter and son-in-law, James Santoro. She enjoyed many things about living in the Pacific Northwest - its art, theater, restaurants and even the weather.

Norma had a lifelong love of words. She would often recite poetry from memory, and she had an ability for writing witty limericks. Her talent was recognized early when she wrote her high school class poem, and later when her work appeared in local newspapers. In her later years she loved playing Scrabble and became an enthusiastic reader. Her other passions included thrift store shopping, crocheting, and cats! In her home you could usually find anywhere between 1 to 4 cats, and they were treated royally.

She parlayed her interests into some notable volunteer efforts. She assisted at the City of Hope Thrift Store in Seattle, and through the online group God’s Tiny Angels, she crocheted hundreds of hats, blankets and entire outfits that were donated to premature babies. She did this work for over ten years and became the oldest member of the organization.

Norma is survived by her daughter, Carol Santoro and her spouse, James Santoro of Edmonds, Washington; and her son, Joseph Mitrani and his spouse, Sharon Mitrani, of Southold, New York. George, the oversized Siamese, lives with Carol and Jim.

Norma’s family extends heartfelt thanks to the owners and caregivers at Angelina’s Place II in Shoreline, and to her devoted personal caregiver, Heather Rudin. Their care was exceptional, and Norma had the best quality of life we could hope for as her dementia progressed. Our gratitude is boundless.

Donations in Norma’s memory may be made to Alley Cat Project or Seattle Area Feline Rescue.