Bertha May (Norris) Naumann, age 75, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on September 30, 2022 at Christiana Hospital. She was born in Wilmington and raised in the development of Willow Run. Bertha May was the daughter of the late Geraldine M. (Fuhr) and James F. Norris, Sr. She graduated from Dickinson High School in 1964.
Bertha May, along with raising her family, operated a day care out of her home for over 11 years. She then received her certificate as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant (CNA). With her CNA, Bertha May worked at Newark Manor Nursing Home, Little Sisters of the Poor, Emily Bissell Hospital and the Delaware State Hospital (New Castle). She also helped her husband, Harman Sr., at the family business, County Electronics, a TV repair shop in the New Castle Farmers Market in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Bertha May finally retired from the State of Delaware, where she worked in Payroll, and eventually retired in Human Resources in 2017 after 30 years of service.
Bertha May’s first love was her family, being active in all her children’s activities and cherishing her time with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed watching the Phillies & Eagles and going on cruises with her sister/best friend Judy. They visited every island in the Caribbean Islands. Bertha May also enjoyed watching the Food Network channel.
Bertha May and her husband, Harman C. Naumann, Sr., settled in Newark in the development of Chestnut Hill Estates in 1969 where she lived until her death. Her husband died in 1992 after 22 years of marriage.
Bertha is survived by her 3 children, Harman C. Naumann, Jr. (Lisa), Kelly A. Bailey (Dave) and Kevin D. Naumann (Jennafer Brown); best friend and sister, Judith “Judy” Smith; brother, James Norris, Jr. (Victoria) and sister, Marita Halko (Tom); 3 grandchildren, Zachary Naumann, Allison Bailey and Aidan Bailey. She is also preceded in death by her siblings Wayne Norris, Sr. and Karen E. Norris. Bertha May is also survived by many nieces and nephews who also loved her dearly. Bertha May endured a life of caregiving and was loved by all.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 5, from 6-8 pm at the McCrery & Harra Funeral Homes, 3710 Kirkwood Hwy, Wilmington, DE. A funeral will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, October 6 at 11 am. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023 or www.diabetes.org. For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
