March 6, 1927 — Dec. 9, 2008
Norma Gelose, a longtime ballet teacher, died Dec. 9 in Millard Fillmore Hospital after a long illness. She was 81.
Born Norma Parker in Buffalo, she taught ballet for 55 years.
She was a permanent examiner and member of the Cecchetti Council of America and a member of the Russian Dance Teachers Association. She choreographed classical ballets for teachers throughout the United States. She also taught in Italy, China and England.
Many of her students became professional dancers and ballet teachers, her family said.
Her husband, James, died in 1995.
She also was the widow of Dan Ferrara and Pat Luisi.
Survivors include two stepdaughters, Susan Moroz and Elizabeth Sarkovics.
A memorial Mass will be offered at 10 a. m. Dec. 27 in St. Joseph- University Catholic Church, 3269 Main St.