Canarsie’s Norma Clarke honored with State Proclamation on 95th birthday

Ninety-five-year-old Guyanese-born Norma Clarke attained the magnanimous age on May 7, 2025, with gratitude and a mental aptitude that would not allow her to slow down.

The energetic senior citizen danced the night away at her birthday celebration on May 10, surrounded by loved ones and close friends.
During the memorable evening, the small-town lodge village, ‘young lady,’ was presented with a prestigious Proclamation from the Office of NYS Senator of the 19th Senatorial District Roxanne Persaud, whom Clarke calls “her girl.”

The honor says, “Attendant to such concern, I, New York State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud, am justly proud to congratulate Norma Clarke on celebrating her 95th birthday.

Norma was born on May 7, 1930, in Georgetown, Guyana, the second eldest of six children. The report said she often helped care for her siblings while also balancing schoolwork with chores like cooking and cleaning.
Her love for learning took root when she attended Smith’s Church Primary School; in 1989, she immigrated to the United States, bringing her vibrant spirit.

The Proclamation continued, “Upon the Occasion of Her 95th Birthday, the Senior citizen brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the increasingly active roles she plays today. Her past contributions and future participation are vital parts of, and valuable assets to, the fabric of community life and activity.”

Known for her culinary skills, Norma delights friends and family with her signature dishes, including Guyanese cook-up rice, black pudding, and souse. Her travels have taken her to Paris, England, Canada, and the sunny Caribbean.

With an infectious laugh and a passion for jazz, oldies, and waltz music, Norma is a remarkable dancer who still shines on the dance floor. A self-proclaimed fashionista, she struts in matching outfits and heels.

The certificate states, “After thirty beautiful years of marriage, Ms. Norma fondly reminisces about her sweetheart, still blushing at their shared memories; she has four children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.”

Norma, a former teacher’s aide, has enriched the lives of those around her. As a member of the New Life Center of Truth Church, she touched the lives of countless children at “Get Set” kindergarten, where she served for over 10 years.

Through her joyous and sincere love for others and the quintessential charm and wisdom that only comes from a fullness of years, her love for life, children, and her community inspires everyone around her.

Norma’s journey began at Smith’s Church Primary School, where her love for learning took root. As the second eldest of six, she often helped care for her siblings while balancing her schoolwork with chores like cooking and cleaning. Her heart still aches for her late brother, Oscar, and son, Kenrick, but her four sisters remain her steadfast companions.

“It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recognize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments, and awesome achievements of this country during the last century while themselves contributing to the growth and excellence of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it,” states the prestigious honor.

The energetic, youthful lady, a resident of Canarsie for more than 20 years, danced vigorously to nephew Menes De Griot’s rhythmic drumming at “The Event” banquet hall on Rockway Parkway alongside family members and close friends during a procession, passing under an arch decorated in green and gold, the theme colors of the celebration.

Norma, this reporter’s mother, was decked out in her favorite color, green, and was wearing a tiara that was fit for the queen she was.

Close to 100 celebrants attended the opulent Royal event, which was befitting the lady of agility, charm, and love, who shares them wherever she goes.

There was no doubt that this was where Norma wanted to be on this auspicious milestone occasion because of her love of dancing, especially to calypso and soca music, which she grew up partying to in her small Lodge Village hometown.

One of her favorite artists is the Mighty Sparrow. As such, dancing is where she finds joy and happiness, and it is one of the activities that has brought her to this ripe old age, with prayers for many more to come.

It is against this backdrop, and these qualities of a life well lived to date, and a community of love surrounding her, that NYS Senator Roxanne Persaud, herself, delivered the certificate filled with praise and honor for the lovely Miss Norma, or as she is fondly called Aunty Norma.

Norma’s granddaughter, Georgia resident, and college student Asiah Kelly presented The Proclamation.

Norma was also presented with a plaque displaying rare coins created in 1930, the year she was born. Family members also paid a dance tribute to the hit song “Boots on the Ground” and celebrated the ‘Dancing Queen.’
Long live this remarkable lady.