Norma Olive Saville

Norma Olive (Hitchcock) Saville passed away peacefully in the home where she raised four sons with her beloved husband the evening of September 12, 2025. Norma lived a life shaped by faith and service. She believed that following Christ meant more than words, it moved her to action. Her life was lived not for self but for service, with empathy and unconditional love.

Born July 16,1945 to Marion (Graham) and Norman Hitchcock in Kingsbury, New York, the first of five children. Evident from an early age her call to serve was beyond obligation, as her sisters and brother were always the subject of Norma's caring attention. What began in childhood as small acts of sibling nurturing would grow into a lifelong calling. From the farm and into the fields and throughout the home, Norma was essential to her parents and family. After high school she earned a nursing degree at Mary McClellan, eager to serve where it was needed most. Never afraid of adventure she left country life in Washington County and took a nursing position in New York City.

In 1965 a handsome young man flipped his ’65 Galaxy 500xl convertible in front of the Fenton Barn, and Norma began to care for her future husband, the role of a lifetime. She returned to country life to marry Gordon Russell Saville on June 18, 1966, at Kingsbury Baptist Church, followed by a reception at the Ridge Terrace, and a favorite date night for years to follow.

They quickly welcomed two boys, and you know what they say about that second baby…it would be another 10 years before yes - two more boys! By day Norma as a nurse wore many caps. She cared for newborns in the snuggery at Glens Falls Hospital, cared for those in public health, saw patients at a local doctors’ offices, and even after her “retirement”, helped as a school nurse. When Norma took off her white cap for the day it was quickly replaced- with her kids from high school to elementary school it meant the calls were for motorcycle accidents and book fairs, 2nd grade bake sales and proms. With her grandchildren she had the same dedication without tiring she went from graduations to T-ball games -don’t forget the basket of cookies for the team. At Christmas, oh the meals, and the tree and oh the gifts! The gifts! After four sons and those first three grandsons she relished in her six granddaughters. Oh the Easter dresses!! Her love was ever present.

She and Gordon honeymooned almost every year in Aruba, except for most of the years she was there with the girls. Norma, her mother Marion, and cousin Lorraine had side by side by side condos. They entertained family and friends on the ocean, like only a Hitchcock missus could. She joined her sisters and friends with travels from France to Los Cabos; she was always ready. Every hat matched every shoe, no matter where she was. At home, her life was a quiet sermon reflecting acceptance, forgiveness, and trust. She followed the path of service for Him, and it ran directly through her kitchen. She mixed, baked, rolled, kneaded, casseroled, roasted, and rested her love into every dish she served in her home, delivered to your home, left on a doorstep, or auctioned for charity. If the oven was cold, the sewing machine was hot. Quilts for babies and costumes for grandkids-teaching as she went, her grandkids and occasional daughter in law who might try, eager to learn, she had the skill and patience to share her natural ease. If anything took pause it was for the Washington County Fair. She served as a fair board director for over 30 years, superintendent of the domestic arts Handmade & Homegrown building, no surprise there! All of us who had a piece of her time knew it was not going to be given during fair week. Except for her grandchildren. She gave them a front row seat to the action-right from her golf cart, always in motion! Normas years spent in this service and outreach opportunity shine as her proudest achievements. She held very close to her heart the agricultural community, having known the sacrifices made.  She was recognized by the New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs with a lifetime achievement award in January 2025. And we were all proud, Norma, thank you.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband’s parents Ken and Gladys Saville her brother Graham Hitchock, close family friend Kathryn Jones and brother in law but so much more Randy Getty. The greatest heartbreak of her life, her granddaughter Jubilee Hope at three months old passed away February 23rd, 2014; in her eyes was His glory. She is survived by her husband of 59 years Gordon. Her sisters Elaine and husband Fran Sweenor, Marion and husband Tom Hartig, and Betty Getty. Oldest son Russell and wife Susan, his children Ethan (29) and his partner Kyle Lehane of Ireland and Jared (26) and his partner Laura Spanier, their mother Melody Wicks. Peter and his wife Grace and their children Chief Petty Officer United States Navy Hunter (24) and Olivia (18). Matt and his wife Maxine and their children Neve (15), Beck (13), Penn (11), and Nell (9). Nathaniel and his wife Jaclyn and his children Raegan (16), Marlee (14) with their mother Kristen. She loved the perks of bonus grandchildren Kevin (29) and Catherine (14), Erin, Ryan & Shane. With congratulations to her grandson Tim Karhnak and his wife Kayla on the birth of Norma’s great grandson Caden (1). The cousins and nieces and nephews’ number in the hundreds but have undoubtedly been served through Norma’s kitchen. And Aunt Mildred-(101), may she outlive us all.

Arrangements are under the care of Compassionate Funeral Care 402 Maple Ave Saratoga Springs NY.

Services will be held at Vantage Pointe Church 543 Ridge Road Queensbury NY 12804, where Norma found a spiritual home with Pastor Paul Mead. Calling hours: come hungry, we will feed you, September 26 from 4-7. Her journey complete, she will be laid to rest September 27th at 11am, with funeral to follow. Come hungry again, we will feed you following the services at her sister Elaine's home, The 1925 Barn, 89 County Route 41, Hudson Falls, NY 12839. Norma knew; the world asks a little too much for an empty heart or belly. She has finished her service we humbly hope to fill her coordinated shoes.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Washington County Fair 4H food booth, High Peaks Hospice. Or maybe, just maybe -after work today make two pies, a casserole, and a roast. Mix a large green salad, whip up a few sides, always a corn casserole. Best to have a hot dip- maybe grab a bottle of wine too. Wrap these in a homemade quilt and give it away. Or find your way to serve, as He would.

Norma’s family would like to thank High Peak Hospice, Compassion Care and all those who were grateful to finally serve her these past few months.

In serving others,

They serve the Lord Himself-

And heard, at last,

well done good and faithful servant.

Well done.