March 23, 1934 – October 19, 2025
Norma Chisholm, 91, of Reading, MA, Former Malden Native, Cat Lover, and Chocolate Chip Cookie Magician.
Norma Chisholm, born March 23, 1934, in Malden, MA, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025, near Reading, MA, where she had lived since 1963. She was 91 years young.
Raised in Malden, she spent her summers on Prince Edward Island, Canada, where both of her parents were from. There, she spent time with her cousins, endless in number, whose names her children and husband could never quite remember.
After graduating from Malden High, she attended Chandler School for Women to become a secretary and became fluent in shorthand, which impressed (and occasionally baffled) her children decades later.
She met her husband of 62 years, Edward, at a dance class, and the two hid their dancing prowess from their children for decades until Big Band music played at one of their weddings and they jumped up and wowed everyone in attendance.
She proudly survived raising three boys – something that, at times, tested the limits of her patience – and later channeled her nurturing skills into spoiling both grandchildren and her family cats.
Once her youngest son started school, she took a job at the kids’ elementary school in Reading, to their delight – only to be promoted years later to a position at their high school, RMHS, where she got to know all their friends (for better of worse). She retired from the Town of Reading.
In her later years, she embraced her adventurous side and convinced her husband to travel with her. Together, they explored Ireland, Colombia, Panama, Honduras, and El Salvador. And more of Prince Edward Island.
Norma was the beloved wife of Edward Chisholm, devoted mother of Don Chisholm and his wife Devi, Paul Chisholm and his wife Carrie and the late Ted Chisholm. Cherished sister of the late Donald Gillis. Norma was the loving grandmother of 5: Jack, Bela, Tyler, Pablo, and Owen, all of whom were lucky enough to enjoy her world-class homemade chocolate chip cookies.
She will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and always cherished.
A visitation will be held at the Douglass, Edgerley and Besom Funeral Home 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.) Reading on Friday October 31, 2025, from10:00am to 11:30am followed by a funeral service celebrating Norma’s life at 11:30am. Burial will follow at Wood End Cemetery in Reading.
In accordance with Norma Chisholm’s wishes, contributions may be made in her memory to: Massachusetts SPCA www.mspca.org
For directions and online guestbook visit www.douglassfuneralhome.com
