Norma Lackow's Obituary
Norma (Leichter) Lackow, 94, born in New York City to Sidney and Leah Leichter, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025. She was raised in the northern
Manhattan neighborhood called Washington Heights.
Norma was ever joyful, optimistic, and dedicated to lifelong learning. She embodied the saying, ‘my glass is half-full’. She was a vibrant community member and leader at her Westward Look Townhouse neighborhood and later at Fairwinds Desert Point.
She was salutatorian at George Washington High School, and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Hunter College. Norma earned advanced degrees in Math, Counseling, and Administration.
In 1950, Norma married Abraham Lackow; a marriage lasting just short of 70 years, when Abe passed in 2020.
Norma was a homemaker, then high school math teacher, and later a counselor and
assistant principal at A. Phillip Randolph High School, a school she helped establish.
Norma and Abe retired to Tucson in
1987 after the birth of their second grandson. When she was not traveling the world, Norma donated her time to various local organizations, especially the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tohono Chul and the Tucson Visitor’s Center.
She is survived by her son Ira (Kathy) Lackow, daughter Cynthia Lackow, and her grandsons Seth Lackow, Jake Lackow, and Andrew Gavelek. She is predeceased by her son, Harold Lackow and her brother, Martin Leichter.
In memory of Norma, donations may be made to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
What’s your fondest memory of Norma?
What’s a lesson you learned from Norma?
Share a story where Norma's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Norma you’ll never forget.
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