Florida family members of 1199SEIU are mourning the death, but celebrating the great character and accomplishments of one of their most impactful member leaders -- Blanche Norwood – who recently passed away at age 74.

 

Ms. Norwood took on numerous leadership roles with 1199SEIU, at her facility and in the community, to improve the jobs and lives of workers, patients and families in South Florida and beyond. She served as a member political organizer (MPO), delegate, media spokesperson, bargaining committee leader and much more during her remarkable 50 years as a caregiver at Treasure Isle Care Center in North Bay Village.

 

“Blanche held every quality a human should have,” said 1199SEIU Vice President Margarette Nerette, who was a fellow CNA with Ms. Norwood at Treasure Isle 25 years ago. “She was a true leader in every sense and will be greatly missed.”

 

Ms. Norwood earned the deep admiration of all her co-workers, 1199SEIU staff, elected officials   and so many others over the decades, even when on differing sides of an issue.

 

Treasure Isle Care Center management had great respect and appreciation for her despite many tough negotiations at the bargaining table, and planned a 50th anniversary celebration later this year in her honor.

 

“Blanche always told the full truth, worked hard and put the needs of others above herself. You could count on her for anything you ever asked, so everyone respected her to the highest degree,” said VP Nerette.

 

Ms. Norwood was so active and engaged in her union and politics because she understood working people must stand up and together to fight for their rights; to hold employers accountable and to elect leaders and pass laws that benefit the public, not just the rich and politically connected.

 

“Blanche loved her patients, her family and her union,” said 1199SEIU Executive Vice President Roxey Nelson. “And we always will love her. Her passing is a great loss, but her amazing accomplishments to strengthen our union, our communities and the world in general will live on as inspiration to build a better future for all of us.”

 

Official tributes to Ms. Norwood from 1199SEIU Florida friends and partners are being planned in the coming weeks. 

 

Her family has scheduled a viewing Friday, October 10 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hadley Davis Funeral Home, 16505 Northwest 27th Avenue in Miami Gardens; with a funeral service Saturday, October 11 beginning at 11 a.m.  in the National Church of God, 1821 Northwest Second Court, Miami.