Norma R. (Deschenes) Hemenway, of Melrose, passed away at home on Dec. 29, 2016 at the age of 91. Norma was born in Bennington, VT, raised in Arlington, VT and a graduate of Arlington, VT High School. She went on to earn her degree from LaSalle Junior College in Auburndale , MA. Norma worked as a Clerk for J.F. Hovey Department Store in Boston and also for John Hancock Insurance Company. She resided in Melrose for many years, was a member of the Church of the Incarnation for over 30 years, was a CCD teacher and member of the church choir. Norma enjoyed cats, gardening, square dancing, walking reading and taking cruises with her husband to Alaska, Hawaii, Bermuda, St. Martin and the Panama Canal. She was the beloved wife of the late Alvin R. Hemenway for 53 years. Loving mother of Cynthia Hemenway of Stoneham, Allen Hemenway of Peabody, Deborah Gibson & her husband Charles of VA, Philip Hemenway & his wife Debra of MI, Mark Hemenway of Somerville, Lisa Hodge of Bedford, Andrea Lynch & her husband John of Holliston and Barbara Wright of Melrose. Predeceased by 2 sisters & 1 brother. Cherished grandmother of 8 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and a niece & nephew. Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Sunday, Jan. 8th from 2-5PM. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home on Monday, Jan. 9th at 8:45AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in the Church of the Incarnation, 425 Upham St. Melrose at 10AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Burial will take place in Vermont at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the MSPCA, 350 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130.