Norma Hanel

Norma C. Hanel

SHINGLEHOUSE, Pa.---Norma C. Hanel, 91, a 70 year resident of Shinglehouse, passed away on Thursday, February 25, 2021, in Absolut of Allegany, Allegany, N.Y., after a short illness.

Born on Sunday, January 19, 1930 in Olean, N.Y., she was a daughter of Alvin R. and Neva N. Fitch Peterson. On June 25, 1950 in Olean, she married DeWayne H. Hanel, who passed away on February 20, 2014.

Norma was a graduate of Olean High School.

On August 1, 1952, Norma and her husband, bought the Mobil Service Station in Shinglehouse which became Hanel’s Friendly Service. In 1964 they added Shinglehouse Auto Parts, a NAPA parts store. In 1968 the business was destroyed by fire and while rebuilding, they ran the business out of the former Red and White Grocery Store in Shinglehouse for six months. In 1968 they added Agway Farm Supply to the parts store and also built the Robo Automatic Car Wash. In 1971 Norma’s husband purchased a store in Cuba, N.Y. and started Cuba Village Auto Parts, a branch NAPA store, which they operated for 18 years.

Norma was a 65 year member of Shinglehouse American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and was a former member of Eureka Chapter #52 Order of the Eastern Star in Shinglehouse. Norma was a board member of the former Commonwealth Bank in Shinglehouse.

Norma enjoyed playing euchre, listening to music, going to the casino, and her many Labrador Retrievers.

Norma was a generous and hardworking woman and was a loyal friend. Her family was her foundation. Her greatest joy was watching her grandchildren grow up to become the amazing people they are. Spending time with her great-grandchildren were the happiest days of her later years.

Surviving are two daughters, Nerine C. (Marty) Maier of Allegany, NY and Brenda K. (Chris) Bernard of Powhatan, VA; five grandchildren, Jenifer L. (Joshua) Schallert, Brooks M. Bernard, Nicolas L. Bernard, Julie A. (Lee) Steele, and Scott M. (Savannah) Bernard; eight great-grandchildren, Nathan Schallert, Emma Schallert, Alex Schallert, Lincoln Steele, Beau Steele, Tessa Steele, Rosie Steele, and Aubrie Bernard; a sister, Dolores (Jack) Wind of Salamanca; a special beloved friend, Beverly (Al) Huber of Shinglehouse; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Norma was predeceased by a great-granddaughter, Anna C. Schallert; a brother, Arthur Peterson; and a sister, Arlene Hinman.

Norma will be laid to rest next to her husband in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse. A private celebration of her life will be held when COVID-19 conditions improve.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shinglehouse American Legion Auxiliary, 1364 SR 44S, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.

Norma’s family entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L, Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences or share a fond memory of Norma, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.

“Mom, your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.”