Norma Jean Kaplar90, died peacefully on May 30, 2011 after a long life and a short stay at the Hanover Terrace, having lived independently at home until her final weeks. Mezzo-Soprano, housewife, mother and dedicated writer of fine letters, she was born Norma Jean Lamorey on January 29, 1921 in Manchester NH, the daughter of Jesse James and Marion (Girouard) Lamorey.

Salutatorian of the class of 1937 at Manchester High School Central, she was heard on live radio in the 40's, was Alto soloist at Hancock Church, Lexington Ma. in the 50's, and soloist at St. Thomas' Church, Hanover NH in the 60's and 70's. In her youth, she sang and played the Banjo and Guitar often in the popular shows of her day.

She learned secretarial skills at the Hesser Business College, graduating in 1940. In her early 20's during WW2, she was put in charge of the employment office at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, where the young guys often called her Hedi, due to the similarity of her name and looks to the notorious actress. From her mother-like guardian of the time, a Christian Scientist Practitioner, she learned of spiritual healing, which gave her strength. After being transferred to Bangor, ME, she returned to Manchester in 1945 as nurse to her mother, and in those early days of radio sang on a weekly live radio show at WMUR.

In 1946 she married Chester W. Kaplar. They had 2 children. In 1947 they moved to Lexington, MA, where she cultivated beautiful gardens, and industriously employed her Home Economics Major skills canning, cooking and sewing. She was a masterful seamstress, making many clothes and costumes for herself and her children. She sang for church and concert, and wrote. Her husband was transferred as part of the initial crew at the newly opened US Army Cold Regions Lab in Hanover, NH, and in 1963 they moved to Hanover, where she was a resident for nearly 50 years. She continued singing for church and in concert. In the 70's and 80's, in addition to her long service as soloist and choir member, she became Parish Secretary to St. Thomas' Episcopal Church in Hanover.

She loved nature, the New Hampshire lakes, classical music and her family. She valued her privacy, good style and good taste. She wrote poetry, and was often thanked for her thoughtful and well composed letters. She was inspiring for her diligence, exactness, perseverance and inner strength, her clear voice and her sharp mind. She looked out for her family to the last, and was always there when she was needed.

She was predeceased by her husband Chester in 1997. She is survived by her daughter Janeth of S. Bloomingville Ohio, son Peter of Hanover and Vienna, Austria, nephew Brad Flanders of Boulder Creek, California, 2 grandchildren, and numerous distant relations.

Calling hours will be at the Rand-Wilson funeral home in Hanover, NH. on Wednesday, June 29, between 6 and 8pm. Services will be held at St. Thomas' Church, Hanover, on Thursday, June 30, at 11 am, and at the Pine Knolls Cemetery.