06/04/2026
Remembering Norma Presmeg, 1942-2026
On February 25, 2026, Mathematics Education lost a great mind and a great heart with the passing of Dr. Norma C Presmeg, Professor Emerita. She was home with family in Maryville, Tennessee, accompanied by classical music as she left this earth at age 83. Instrumental in the development and advancement of her field worldwide, Norma had educational involvement on multiple continents during her long career. In South Africa, she was named valedictorian at Port Shepstone High School, then attended Rhodes University and the University of Natal. Twelve years of teaching high school mathematics followed. In 1985, she earned her PhD from the University of Cambridge, England, and returned to South Africa where she taught at the University of Durban-Westville. After emigrating to the United States in 1990, she served on the faculty at Florida State University, followed by Illinois State University, where she was promoted to Professor of Mathematics. During this time, she was proud to become a U.S. Citizen, although she often referred to herself as a “citizen of the world.”
Beloved by students through the years for her genuine interest in their learning and growth, Norma was always supportive and generous with her time. Her former PhD students now pepper the globe and are leaders in their own right. She was known to say ”Maths is beautiful!” as she bridged the gap between the arts and sciences, never losing enthusiasm for the unassailable elegance and logic of mathematics, nor taking lightly the responsibilities of teaching. Her attention to detail, academic rigor, and integrity served the community well during many decades of assisting colleagues throughout the world. International collaborations include PhD program consulting, ICME and PME conferences, and writing and editing journals and books. She remained academically active for over a decade following her retirement. Her many contributions defy summation.
Norma was a lifelong learner who excelled at whatever she took on, academic or otherwise- whether playing piano, learning new languages just for the challenge, avidly gardening, or knitting complex masterpieces. A traveller and explorer of nature, she appreciated the beauty she found around her, and loved to watch the changing sky. Similarly, she saw the best in others. With tremendous strength of character, she lived a principled life, holding herself accountable to the highest standards. She remained active in her church, and, although always modest, with time she became even less interested in accolades and distinctions, and more interested in personal growth.
After a lifetime of service to others, during which her great intellect and kindness touched thousands of lives, she leaves this world an improved place- not just by what she did, but by who she was. May her legacy live on through us, inspired by her peerless example.
FROM Jerry Becker Listserve
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