Norma M. (Stark) Ames

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Norma M. (Stark) Ames, 92, of Crary Mills. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 1:00 pm at the O'Leary Funeral Home, Canton. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home from 10:00 am until the time of the funeral. Burial will follow in the Crary Mills Cemetery. Norma passed away peacefully, in her home, surrounded by her loving family on Friday, October 31, 2025.

Norma was born on September 16, 1933 in Potsdam, a daughter of the late George and Lena (Gardner) Stark. She was a 1951 graduate of Potsdam Central School. On February 25, 1952, Norma married Amaranth Ames in the town of Pierrepont. Mr. Ames predeceased her in 2000.

Her greatest joy in life was being a mother. Everything she did, she did with her children in mind. She devoted her heart, time, and energy to nurturing, guiding, and supporting them. Her love was unwavering and unconditional, and the legacy she leaves lives on in the hearts of those she cherished most—her family. In addition of being a devoted mother and homemaker, Norma had worked at the Band Box Dry Cleaners in Canton, Burrell's Market in Potsdam, Smith's General Store in Crary Mills, in addition to Ames General Store in Colton. She and Amaranth raised seven children. Norma enjoyed going out to lunch, attending any and all of her grandchildren activities and sporting events, was an avid Boston Red Sox and Dallas Cowboys Fan, going to the Festival of the Trees in Watertown with Judy, her daughter-in-law and taking rides with "Tootsie", her sister, who everyone referred to them as Thelma and Louise.

Norma is survived by six children, Allen (Sue) Ames, Kevin Ames (Sally Remington), Ryan (Kristen) Ames, Bonnie Aldous (Joe Wood), Debbie (Jim) Gilson-Smith and Joyce (Wayne) Sheridan, daughter-in-law, Judy Ames, 11 grandchildren, Melanie Ames and Chrissy Swyers, Cindy Humphrey, Kevin Aldous (Margo Layton), Kenneth (Lisa) Aldous, Simone (Tom) Young, Hillary Gilson (Michael Labaff), John Sheridan (Whitney McRobbie), Ashleigh (Marcus) Laramay, Katie Ames (Jake Regan), Jackson and Parker Ames, Jordan Remington (Mya Courtney), Ashley Remington (Zane Garrett), Andi Lynne (Corey) Kulhanek. 12 greatgrandchildren, Lindsay (Brett) Hoyt, Ava Ames, Grace, Zach and Cloie Humphey, Dylan Reynolds, Katie and Ken Aldous Jr., Blake Young (Dayna Sullivan), Ryan (Tobey) Young, Mackenzie (Will) Seguin), and Arieana St. Andrews. Also surviving is a sister, Lillian "Tootsie" Bigwarfe and two brothers Robert and Boyden Stark and a sister-in-law Corinne Stark and several great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband Amaranth and parents George and Lena, Norma was predeceased by a son Bruce Ames, grandson Brian Ames, son-in-law Peter Gilson, brother Arnold Stark, sisters-in-law Frances and Joanne Stark, and a granddaughter-in-law Michelle Aldous.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the Bruce Ames Memorial Scholarship, c/o Community Bank, 70 Market Street; Potsdam, New York 13676 or The Crary Mills Community Center, 35 Post Road; Canton, New York 13617.

Norma's family would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to Rochester Regional Health, Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence County, and Northern Lights Home Health Care for their exemplary care, compassion and support during this difficult time. Your dedication was a gift to our family.

Memories and condolences may be shared with Norma's family online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com. Arrangements for Norma M. (Stark) Ames are under the care of the O'Leary Funeral Service of Canton.