February 24, 2026
Noreen Clarke Necina, beloved mother, sister, aunt, friend, and a lifelong New Yorker whose career as a hairstylist spanned several decades, died on February 24, 2026, at the age of 64. She was surrounded by many loved ones on the final day of her battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born in Astoria, NY, Noreen was a gifted hairdresser at Raymond & Nasser, Pierre Michel, and later Jerome Lordet salon. She groomed the locks of moguls and models, actresses and activists, writers and philanthropists—a true microcosm of New York City. Every client who sat in her chair felt special, and Noreen had such a warmth and naturalness to her that all who encountered her were able to speak freely and unburden themselves. Self-educated and an ardent learner, Noreen also had a voracious appetite for art, books, fashion, cooking, and travel (especially to Italy).
Noreen was a fervid advocate for helping her community on both small and large scales, volunteering at soup kitchens and manning election phone banks to further her deep-rooted beliefs in Democratic causes. One of the most significant testaments to her character was the sizable pool of longtime friends she cultivated over the years, and her role as caretaker to so many who fell ill. Even before the notion of MealTrain, Noreen would organize and cook countless meals for any friend who needed them. She nursed many of her friends back to their feet and showed deep compassion for those who passed. Her caring, steadfastness, and devotion to her friends was unmatched.
Noreen is predeceased by her husband of 14 years, Bill Necina, and survived by her son, Liam, mother Mary Palmer Clarke, siblings Ethna Serkanic, Roger Clarke and Eileen Clarke, nephews and nieces Andrew, Connor, Dylan, Stella and Summer, stepchildren Ryan and Carly, as well as step grandchildren Corey and Lennon.
Funeral Mass (to be livestreamed at https://youtube.com/live/WR2j2HKuqJU)
Many of Noreen’s friends, family and colleagues have expressed interest in making donations in lieu of flowers. To that end, we have set up a Trust in Noreen’s honor benefitting her son, Liam. Should you wish to contribute, please use the link below to access donation options.
March 12, 2026
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Greenwich Village Funeral Home
199 Bleecker Street
New York, New York 10012
Get DirectionsMarch 13, 2026
10 AM
The Church of St. Francis Xavier
46 W. 16th Street (Wheelchair Access @ 55 W. 15th Street)
New York, NY 10011
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My dearest Noreen, our friendship began 1980 at Raymond and Nasser and to this day we still remain friends. There are so many memories that I have of our friendship our trip in South America our cooking together for the most precious is the day I picked you and Liam up from the hospital when he was born and the endless babysitting evenings that I spent with him, my love for you knows no boundaries you were the dearest kindest friend anyone could ever ask for always made time no matter what you were doing. I would cherish you for as long as time you were the dearest friend that anyone could ever ask for love you so much. You will always be missed every day.???
Noreen came into our lives through our Epiphany journey. We shared so many everyday moments that became special - simply because we shared them together with constant laughter, school plays, crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, sitting in Peter Cooper park, Union Square, and ice cream at Eataly. We shopped together, covered school pick-ups, Pushcart coffee, always knowing we were, but one phone call away. Noreen was funny, whip-smart, with expert advice on everything from fashion tips to the latest MOMA art installations ... there was never enough time once we started talking. And life was so good as we watched the boys play or ice skate together. She was fiercely loyal, deeply caring, and she loved Lachlan as if he were her own. She made wonderful pasta topped with her special sauce, and we were lucky to share adventures together with Liam & Lachlan in Geneva, Paris and London. We will always remember her warmth, quick wit, Italian conversation and the easy, generous friendship. Her friendship was heaven-sent, her brilliant and genuine spirit will be with us always & New York was forever special because she was there. We love you Noreen & thank you for the gift of Necina/Emery family happiness. Forever in our hearts xox
Rest in Peace, Noreen. Your presence will be missed and the love you shared.
I knew Noreen for more than 40 years. She was always kind and I will miss her
I will miss Noreen’s warmth and smile. She was always ready to help, smiling
I met Noreen a few years ago when she was covering for David (Milligan). Not only did she take good care of me, but she told me all about Liam, and the trip she had just taken to Greece with him (and his girlfriend). She was so proud of him, and loved their time together. We bonded over our love of Greece and the pictures she shared of her friend’s house. I could tell in that brief time we shared that she was warm and caring. We exchanged contact info and were in touch after that (about her friend’s house). And every time I saw her at the salon, she gave me the warmest smile. I knew she was sick for a long time, and asked about her every time I saw David. I was hoping beyond hope each time I asked that this would be the day he would have good news that she had beat it. I was so sad when David told me she passed. And I was with him the day of the funeral. I also had a funeral to go to… and on that day I said prayers for both of them. Like her husband, Noreen left us too soon. May her memory be for a blessing. May her memory be