‘First lady of Margate’ Norma Cominos leaves behind a great legacy

Norma Cominos arrived in Margate in 1954 as the young bride of Dennis Cominos whose family operated the tea room on the Margate main beach (current Wimpy site) and had done so since 1934 and were very involved in the community. Mr Cominos senior had been the mayor in 1951/1952.

It was the beginning of a long and beautiful association with the South Coast and its community. Shortly after giving birth to their son George, named after his grandfather, a series of shark attacks in the Black December of 1957 left the family and Margate in dire straits and in 1958 the stress finally took its toll on George senior and he sadly died.

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Still, Dennis and Norma stayed on and would become hugely influential in shaping the town’s future. Norma became a Round Tabler, supporting her husband as president in 1958 and much fun was had during the ensuing years.

In 1959 her daughter Anne was born and in that same year, Norma became a Rotary Ann and with the Margate Club, commenced a lifelong commitment to the ideals of that international organisation.

She served as President Ann and was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship, participating in all club projects and functions until the age of 89.

The beginning of a further milestone achievement began then as well as she became a founder member of the Margate Catholic Women’s League where she worked tirelessly to promote the ideals of charity, work and loyalty. She was also an Honorary Lion.

Her last great function took place in August 2019 where she was honoured for 60 years of solid devotion as the league celebrated its diamond anniversary.

Her endeavours went far beyond those organisations as she loyally supported her husband in his various business enterprises and his very public life in numerous other organisations, including that of mayor of Margate.

These included the Hibiscus Chamber of Commerce, Margate Publicity Association, the Mayoralty, Port Shepstone Hospital Board, Fedhasa Board, United Building Society/Absa Board, the Arts and the Margate Museum, The Natal South Coast Catering, Accommodation and Bottle Store Keepers’ Association, the Town Council, Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Parish, the Natal South Coast Regional Development Association, The Margate Red Cross Society and more.

Dennis was a future thinking man and Norma participated in the joys and sorrows of him being ahead of his time, particularly in the area of social responsibility and respect for all people of any colour or creed.

In 2002, her beloved husband of 48 years died and the community gave back to her what she had given to them.

Her great heart for community was well known as was her very special way of interacting with people. She always showed a genuine interest in whomever crossed her path and displayed her trademark patience and kindness in the most loving way.

Her capacity to empathise and sympathise with the burdened was legendary and she leaves behind a great legacy.

Her final three years were spent in the Margate Retirement Village where the exceptional community of the elderly manifested itself in her life.

Her daughter Anne lives in Ramsgate and with David her spouse, cared for Norma for many years especially during the lockdown period which has isolated so many.

Her son George with his wife Geraldine were regular visitors from Westville and George continues to look after the family interests in Margate.

She loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren and showed a passionate but non-interfering interest in their lives.

Her peaceful death after surgery, and two weeks after her 90th birthday, has cast a long shadow over Margate and its people for whom she devoted her time and physical and emotional energy.

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