Norma Jean Mears, 80, of Ashland, passed away September 3, 2013 after a period of declining health. She was the wife of the late Phillip A. Mears. Born in Framingham, she was a life long resident of Ashland. Norma is survived by her three children: Ruth A. Sullivan and her husband Edward of Dracut, Dianne Kauffman and her husband Gary of Lowell, and David Mears of Auburn, MA; her very special friends: Ann and Mark Mackay and family of Ashland, Mary Ellen Ferguson and Stephen Wilson of Ashland, Harold Higgins and Janice of Natick, and Claire Higgins of Ashland; her siblings: James Hickey, Robert Hickey, Richard Hickey, Pamela Hickey, all of Framingham and Ralph Hickey of South Carolina. She will be deeply missed by Jewell Hurley of North Chelmsford and Elaine Gordon of Milford, NH; her 7 grandchildren: Edward III, Amy, Kelly, David Jr., Jyl, Tami, and Jen; 8 great-grandchildren: Ashley, Molly, Carly, Cameron, Alexandria, Abigail, Jackson, and Emilee. She is predeceased by her sisters: Maryanne Downer, Jacqueline Jenkins, Joan Hickey, and brothers: George Hickey, Gordon Hickey, and William Hickey. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday morning, September 10th, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main Street, Ashland, followed by interment in Edgell Grove Cemetery in Framingham. Calling hours will be held for one hour at 10 AM Tuesday prior to the service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to Bethany Health Care Center, Bethany Road, Framingham, MA 01702.