Class of 1956-J
In 1959, Norma Flesher, RN, became the nurse-secretary for Dr. Arthur G. James, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. She worked with Dr. James for the remainder of his professional career. Dr. James was a pioneer in cancer research and in 1987 the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Research Institute at Ohio State was named in his honor. Now named the Comprehensive Cancer Center-Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, the facility is called "The James" and focuses on cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and research. Dr. James died in 2001. Norma Flesher helped to organize a collection of his papers for the University.
Norma Flesher received Ohio State's Distinguished Staff award in 1996 for her dedication to Ohio State University, the University Medical Center, Dr. James and the patients.
Norma is the sister of Mary Jacquelyn & Rita Margaret Flesher.
OBITUARY: Norma Jean Flesher, 88, passed away peacefully Monday, Oct 16, 2023, at The Forum Knightsbridge, Columbus OH.
Norma was born October 3, 1935 in Vestaburg PA, the second of three daughters of John and Margaret (Burns) Flesher. She was voted both Most Popular and Most Likely to Succeed at Centerville HS. She attended St Francis School of Nursing in Pittsburgh, graduating in June 1956.
She soon moved to Columbus OH to join sister Jackie at the OSU Hospitals. As a surgical oncology nurse, Norma was assigned to Dr Arthur G James’ floor. In March 1959, she became his executive secretary and office nurse. For over three decades, she monitored his tight schedule, prepared patient charts and accompanied James on rounds. She would “hand James the chart before going into the room, mention the name of the husband, the date the surgery had occurred, and even remind him of new puppies the family had acquired.” Paulson and Rodgers, Arthur James, 2009. Norma documented his research, prepared notes for his talks, and shared his dream of a stand-alone cancer hospital in Columbus.
That dream became reality when The Arthur G James Center Hospital and Research Institute opened in 1990. In 1996, Norma received OSU’s Distinguished Staff Award.
She “retired” in 1997, but continued work in development. She organized the entirety of Dr James’ medical writings and correspondences for the OSU Health Sciences Library. She helped care for Dr James in his home until his 2001 passing, and later his widow Mildred.
Norma Flesher was extremely averse to the limelight. Nevertheless, in 2007, on her 72nd birthday, a reception was held to honor Norma’s 50 years in nursing at OSU. In a Columbus Dispatch article published the same day, Ann Fisher wrote, “Flesher is honest about the sacrifice. Most wives and mothers didn’t work outside the home back then. She chose her job over marriage and children. That wasn’t part of the plan, but when your life becomes the often unseen but integral facing in the pattern of something much bigger, that’s OK.”
Norma was a devoted daughter, living with mother Margaret for nearly four decades. She was a beloved sister, a “2nd mom” to her nieces, nephew and their families, and adored by friends, co-workers and patients. A longtime member of St Timothy Catholic Church, she attended daily mass, served on the bereavement committee and joined in Bible studies. She was an avid fan of OSU football, loved Cole Porter’s music, and dogs.
The family wishes to thank Capital City Hospice, the Forum staff, and her many wonderful friends, especially our dear Marta Dunn, for their love and care.
Norma was predeceased by her parents John and Margaret, her older sister Jacquelyn Ebinger, Jacquelyn’s husband Frederick Ebinger and their son-in-law Lee Parrish, and her younger sister Rita Draxler. She is survived by her brother-in-law Vern Draxler, nieces and nephew Deborah (Dan) Snyder, Mark (Lisa) Ebinger, Gretchen Parrish, Gretchen (Mike) Roe, Julie (John) Peterson and Diane (Mark) Pederson, and her great-nephews and nieces.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Friday Nov 3rd, 11:00a, at St. Timothy Catholic Church, 1088 Thomas Ln. Visitation at Schoedinger Northwest is beforehand from 9:30-10:30a with a reception. Interment will follow at St Joseph Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Norma’s memory be made to the Cancer Strategic Support Fund, at the OSU James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. Gifts may be made online at Cancer Strategic Support or by mail at to PO Box 710811, Columbus, OH 43271-0811.