Norma B. Woolman

Norma Buchanan Woolman, age 86, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, August 3, 2026 at Sunrise of Wilmington, where she had resided for the past fifteen months.

Born in 1940, in Wilmington, Delaware, Norma was a woman of remarkable character, warmth, and talent. She graduated from A.I. du Pont High School before going on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology from the University of Delaware. Norma was the only member of her family to attend college, where she met the love of her life, her husband Joe, in the dining hall at the U of D. Her professional career was diverse and distinguished, encompassing positions at Wilmington General Hospital and the DuPont Stein Laboratory, and she later served as Director of Marketing at The Resettlers, Inc.

Above all, Norma’s greatest joy and deepest commitment was to her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, and a tireless presence in the lives of her children, attending every sporting event for her son and daughter — traveling to countless schools and venues to cheer them on. She was especially proud to support her daughter’s equestrian competitions and her son’s high school games, matches and races. Norma was also incredibly devoted to her two grandchildren who played a significant role in their upbringing.

Norma possessed a rare array of talents that enriched the lives of everyone around her. She was a gifted seamstress who clothed her family and beautified her home, crafting garments, knitted pieces, and decorative items with skill and care. She was a passionate flower arranger who volunteered at the Wilmington Flower Market for many years, sharing her artistry with the community. And she was, by all accounts, a superb cook. Whether hosting a dinner party or preparing a meal for her family, Norma brought exceptional skill and genuine love to the table.

Everyone who was ever fortunate enough to meet Norma fell in love with her immediately (most notably her husband in that dining hall) she was loved by many, all of whom she loved right back with a degree of charm that was unmatched.

Norma is survived by her beloved husband of many years, Joseph R. Woolman, Jr.; her son, Joseph R. Woolman III; her daughter, Kimberly Anne Woolman Passero; her grandsons, Dillon Passero and Tyler Passero; and her nieces, Cheryl Rohm and Kelly Craig.

She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Buchanan; her mother, Lillian Buchanan; and her siblings: Lillian Litchford, Lorraine Thompson, Robert Buchanan, Charles Buchanan, and Henry Buchanan.

Norma’s favorite place in the world was the family’s beach house in Middlesex Beach, Delaware, where she and her loved ones created memories that will last a lifetime. She cherished every moment spent at the beach, looking out at the ocean.

The family has decided to hold a private water burial near Middlesex Beach, DE

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Norma’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.