Norma Jean Cannata

Norma Cannata, 88, passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at St. Catherine Center, Providence Village. Services will take place at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 2, First Baptist Church, Waco, with Pastor Matt Snowden officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

Norma was born to Catharine and Robert T. Palmer in Lancaster, PA, the younger sister to her twin, Nancy, and two older siblings, Harriet and Robert. As a young teen, Norma moved with her family to Dallas, where she graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1952.

Norma continued her education at Baylor University, where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1956. While at Baylor, she met her future husband, Don Cannata, and they were married the day after her college graduation. Norma served as a registered nurse while supporting Don’s vocation as a Southern Baptist minister during their 64-year marriage.

In 1972, Don, Norma, and their family moved to Waco, where they lived for the remainder of their lives. They ultimately settled in their church home at First Baptist Church, Waco, where Norma taught Sunday School and sang in the church choir until her health prevented her from attending church.

In addition to being a nurse, Norma was passionate about genealogy. She researched her own family tree and generously shared her genealogy research knowledge as a volunteer at the West Waco Library & Genealogy Center.

Norma’s family was her priority. Sunday lunches were important for gathering local family around her dinner table. She was an enthusiastic cheerleader for children and grandchildren. She always enjoyed big family gatherings when she could visit with extended family, too.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Harriet; brother, Robert; and husband, Don.

Survivors include sister, Nancy Palmer Robinson; daughter, Leigh Ann Marshall and husband, Tracy; son, Mark Cannata and wife, Edna; and daughter, Susan Moody. She is survived by seven grandchildren: Matthew Marshall, Margaret Grotte, Austin Marshall, Catherine McNabb, Claire Moody, Erin Swiggart, and John Cannata. Norma is also survived by three great-grandchildren: George Grotte, Ella Grotte, and Jack McNabb.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Waco, 500 Webster Ave, Waco, TX 76706 or the Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing

The family would like to thank the members of Providence Hospice who provided such supportive care for Norma alongside the caring staff at St Catherine Center, Providence Village.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.