Norma Longoria-Villarreal

Norma Longoria-Villarreal was a woman with an amazing heart. She was the type of person who would do anything for her family and friends, and she made her family her life's work. Her years of dedicated work afford her both a happy place in life and a family that loved her dearly.

The year 1958 represented a time of simplicity and happiness in the United States. Under the leadership of Dwight D. Eisenhower, American colleges and universities began to end racial segregation. Meanwhile, teenagers everywhere were listening to their radios hoping to hear the world's first rock and roll star, Elvis Presley. For Alfredo Longoria and his wife, Consuelo (Cabrera), of Brownfield, Texas, the biggest news of the year was the birth of their daughter, Norma, on January 29, 1958. The middle of eight children, Norma grew up in the company of her siblings: Carolina, Gilberto, Lucio, Julian, Jesusa, Silva and Gracie. Norma was baptized and received her First Communion at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Brownfield.

Norma's father worked as a migrant worker for many years, going to Holland in the summer and back to Texas in the winter. In 1967, he and his brother, Pablo, decided to put down roots in Holland, and bought a house on 206 West 9th Street, which was two houses away from the historical Cappon House. To support their large family, her father worked two jobs - Meijer and West Michigan Furniture, while her mother worked at Walter's Gardens. For education, Norma attended Washington Elementary School, E.E. Fell Junior High and graduated from Holland High School in 1976. She was the first one in her family to graduate high school, so this was an extra special day for her parents too. Norma then went on to attend Hope College. Norma was a very sociable young lady, and enjoyed going to dances at the Armory with her boyfriend from Junior High, Joe. Up until high school, she liked performing the traditional folk dance of Latin America called Baile Folklorico, and was an excellent softball pitcher on the Hispanic league. Norma also participated in the LAUP (Latin American United for Progress Pageant), wherein she won second runner-up.

Norma's parents made it a point to gather with their family every Sunday at Tunnel Park in Holland, near Lake Michigan. This was always a wonderful time for the family, grilling out, playing sports and just having fun. Norma also spent a lot of time hanging out at Kollen Park, which was near their house and close to Lake Macatawa. It was here that she met Felipe Villarreal. Over the next few years, Norma and Felipe were blessed with two children: Felipe Jr., and Gemini. Later, Norma married Joe Moreno, and they had three children: Julian, Priscilla, and Jennifer. In 2003 Norma and Felipe once again came together and renewed their relationship.

A devoted mother, Norma raised her children in a home at 164 East 16th Street. Although she was a strict disciplinarian, Norma also enjoyed having fun with her kids, playing ball in the yard. She was a great cook, especially when it came to her Frito Pie, although Norma preferred Banquet Chicken Pot Pies, her absolute favorite meal. In 1993, Norma became a grandmother for the first time with the arrival of her granddaughter, Casandra. Lucky for her, her daughter and Casandra lived with her, so she helped raise Casandra, but also spoiled her rotten. It was at this point that Norma realized she loved being a grandmother, and spoiling her grandkids became her main job in life.

Besides being a loving mother and grandmother, Norma held a variety of jobs to support her family. She worked at Life Savers from 1977 to 1979, at The Holland Migrant day care center and community action house, before going to work as a case worker at FIA in Allegan and Ottawa County offices for the next 12 years. Norma had such a generous spirit and always gave of her time helping others - she never passed up another in need. Norma was a woman of great faith, and she found great comfort in reading her Bible at night and praying when the house was quiet. She had completed her "de colores" training at St. Frances de Sales Catholic Church. Her favorite gospel music, though, was Stomp by Kirk Franklin. When it came to her leisure time, Norma enjoyed doing crafts, especially with her kids and grandkids. She had taught herself to sew, and loved to create something beautiful.

Norma was a woman who always looked at the positive side of life, and when times got tough, she relied on her faith to see her through. She took great pride in her children and grandchildren, and had great faith that they would be successful in life. Norma will be lovingly remembered for her generous spirit, her deep faith and her unconditional love for her family. She will be greatly missed.

Norma Longoria-Villarreal, age 49, of Holland, MI, died on Monday, May 14, 2007, at her home in Holland. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Christopher Lopez, father Alfredo Longoria, and brother, Julian Longoria. Her family includes her children: Felipe Jr. Angel Villarreal of Holland, Gemini Angel Villarreal of Holland, Jason Angel Villarreal of Texas, Julian Jose Angel Longoria Moreno of Holland, Priscilla and David Casillas of Texas, Oscar Menchaco of Texas, Jennifer Moreno of Holland; mother Consuelo Longoria of Holland; 12 grandchildren; brothers and sisters: Carolina Longoria of Holland, Gilberto Longoria of Grand Rapids, Lucio and Mary Longoria of Florida, Jesusa Aricaga of Texas, Silva Heisler of Grandville, Gracie Longoria of Holland; many, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 18, at Resurrection Life Church in Holland at 1006 South Washington. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens. Visiting will be from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, May 17, at Mulder Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Home, 188 West 32nd Street Holland, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Michigan Liver Transplant Unit or the local diabetes association. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or photo of Norma or sign her online guest book.