Norma Jean Hazelbaker

Dr. Norma Jean Hazelbaker, 78, of Youngstown, formerly of Poland, died Thursday morning, March 29, 2018 at Heritage Manor.

Norma was born January 9, 1940 in Columbus, OH, the oldest daughter of the late Amiel and Edna Cross Hazelbaker. She was also preceded in death by her sister Gertrude Hazelbaker.

Raised in Columbus, Norma was a 1958 graduate of East High School. She did her undergraduate education in the College of Arts and Sciences,Romance Language and Pre-Med Curriculum at Ohio State University. She received her MD degree from Ohio State College of Medicine in 1967. She went on to do her residency at Pittsburgh Children's Hospital and her Fellowship at Johns-Hopkins in Neonatal Medicine.

She had a private practice in general pediatrics with a sub specialty in neonatal medicine in Youngstown. Norma was also on staff at Northside Hospital, Tod Babies and Children's Hospital and St. Elizabeth Hospital. After 35 years of service, Norma retired in 2007 and volunteered at Poland Union Elementary as a reading tutor.

Norma was a lifetime member of the OSU Alumni Association, the Irish and American Pediatric Society, the Mahoning County Medical Society, Northern Ohio Pediatric Society, and the Ohio Chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics where she was a member of the board in the area of neonatal and perinatal medicine.

Norma was well respected by the pediatric residents she trained and was well known for her passionate care of children.

Norma is survived by her "adopted family" Maryann and Andrea Pernotto both of Poland, and Jane (James W. ) Pernotto Ehrman of Cleveland; one niece, Sarah O'Connor of Napa, CA; two nephews, James A. Ehrman of Columbus and Mark Ehrman of Portland, OR; and numerous cousins and dear friends.

Norma's family would like to thank the staff at Antonine Sisters facilities and staff and caregivers at Heritage Manor for their excellent and compassionate care.

A memorial service celebrating Norma's life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Norma requests donations be made to Akron Children's Hospital, 6505 Market Street, Boardman, OH 44512; Beatitude House, 238 Tod Lane, Youngstown, OH 44504; or Angels for Animals, 4750 W. South Range Road, Canfield, OH 44406.

Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com.