Norma Nancy Blancato Hollingsworth Mortensen, 85, Remembered for Lifelong Service

The longtime Georgia educator and church leader passed away in January 2026.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Norma Nancy Blancato Hollingsworth Mortensen, a longtime Georgia educator and church leader, passed away on January 20, 2026, at the age of 85 in Social Circle, Georgia. Norma was born in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1940 and dedicated her life to teaching and serving her community through various churches and organizations.

Why it matters

Norma's life exemplified a commitment to education, faith, and community service that spanned decades and touched many lives. Her passing marks the end of an era for those who knew her, and her legacy serves as an inspiration for others to follow in her footsteps of quiet strength, deep love, and steadfast devotion.

The details

Norma was a graduate of the University of Tampa and spent her career as a PE, English, and ESOL teacher in DeKalb County, Georgia. She was known for her leadership in youth groups at Methodist and Presbyterian churches, and in her later years, she became an active member of South Daytona Christian Church, serving on leadership teams, singing in the choir, and participating in a long-standing bridge group.

  • Norma was born on December 1, 1940, in Omaha, Nebraska.
  • She passed away on January 20, 2026, in Social Circle, Georgia.
  • A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Holy Cross Cathedral in Loganville, Georgia.

The players

Norma Nancy Blancato Hollingsworth Mortensen

An 85-year-old educator and lifelong church leader who dedicated her life to serving her community.

Frank Blancato

Norma's father.

Elisa Picciotti Blancato

Norma's mother.

Rev. Phil Mortensen

Norma's husband, to whom she was married from 2009 until his death in 2017.

Byron F. Hollingsworth, Jr.

Norma's previous husband.

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What’s next

The Memorial Service for Norma Mortensen will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Holy Cross Cathedral in Loganville, Georgia, followed by a small reception with light refreshments in the church fellowship hall.

The takeaway

Norma Mortensen's life exemplified the values of service, faith, and community that have long been cherished in Georgia. Her dedication to education, youth, and the church left a lasting impact, and her example continues to inspire others to follow in her footsteps of quiet leadership and steadfast devotion.