Obituary of NORMA WEINSHANKER

Norma Weinshanker passed on Sunday, April 14, 2019 in the early afternoon, surrounded by family.  Born in New York in 1933, to Solomon Laterman and Sarah Messnick, immigrants from Ukraine, Norma came up from humble beginnings as one of two children.  Norma, a tall, stately women with red hair, lived her life with empathy for all and no shortage of comments that were sure to make you laugh.  She always found ways to give, even to those who did not know how or who were unable to ask.

Norma Weinshanker  married Jack Weinshanker in the mid 1950s. Shortly after they gave birth to their oldest child, before moving to New Jersey and welcoming two more children to the Weinshanker home.  Norma and her husband raised three children before she eventually began working at Rahway Hospital, presently known as RWJ University Hospital where she worked for over 35+ years!

 Mrs. Weinshanker worked hard to foster a welcoming community atmosphere for everyone she encountered, often learning just enough words in other languages to make people who had come to America to seek a better life, free of fear, feel more comfortable and included.  

Norma Weinshanker enjoyed spreading hope and bringing joy to countless patients she visited in her spare time in addition to those she visited while she was on the Pastoral Care Volunteer Staff.  She even received special recognition for her work within the community.  One such occasion occurred on June 1, 2005, when the Jewish Federation of Central New Jersey extended grateful recognition for her outstanding Bikur Holim Service.

Norma Weinshanker’s faith and love for Israel were significant parts of her life.  Norma would join her husband Jack, at their temple Beth O'r Beth Torah, every Saturday morning where they were well known pillars of the community.  Mrs. Weinshanker was a strong proponent of Israel, visiting frequently for Passover sedar.

Norma had an abundance of kind words to share.  She was an eternal optimist, always offering encouragement and positivity.  Mrs. Weinshanker was an inspiration to those around her, as an active member of her fitness center well into her 80s, regularly attending lectures, classes-even Zumba, with her walker in tow.

Norma Weinshanker is survived by her husband, Jack Weinshanker; three children, Ann (Amram) Masad; Stuart (Susan) Weinshanker; Joel Weinshanker; 5 beautiful grandchildren, 4 adorable great-grandchildren and her brother, Bernard (Frances) Laterman; nieces, nephews and a host of long-time friends.  

Norma’s lasting legacy is a life full of infinite good deeds and happiness, something anyone who had the chance to share a laugh with her can attest to.