Norma Estrada-Keith was born on September 8, 1967, and reunited with her Lord and Savior on June 13, 2022, after a seven year battle with metastatic colon cancer. She is survived by her Husband Joe Keith, Son Caleb Keith, Stepdaughters Sarah Gutierrez (JJ), Meagan Long (Brian), Brother-in-laws Pat Keith (Cindy), David Keith (Terry), Parents Cruz and Adilia Estrada, Brother Enrique Estrada, Niece Gisela Estrada, Nephews Samuel and Daniel Estrada, Grandchildren Jaden Neel, Jadelynn Neel and Wyatt Long, to include aunts and uncles.
In her youth, Norma lived with her host parents Evan and Rosalee Churchill in Maine during the school year and returned to El Salvador in the summers to spend time with family. Upon return to El Salvador, she graduated as valedictorian of Pan Americana High School and earned a full scholarship to John Brown University in Arkansas, where she double majored in Business and Education. After graduation Norma returned to El Salvador and taught in the American School there. She later returned to the United States where she began her teaching career and subsequently obtained her master's degree in Bilingual Education from the University of Texas at El Paso. Norma completed over twenty-five years of educational service while working in the Socorro and Clint Independent School Districts. Norma also worked with El Paso Community College providing staff development to teachers from Central American countries. She leaves behind many friends and colleagues from her tenure as an educator. Equally important to her were her friends from church, her Thursday night Bible study group and the Emerald Pond families that shared in so many activities over the years.
Norma enjoyed traveling and has visited in all but three states. She loved learning and experiencing cultural differences. A most defining characteristic was her strong belief in God. Her genuine and sincere desire in serving others with purposeful intent was evidenced as part of her relationship and devout commitment in loving the Lord. She exemplified being a loving and supportive wife, mother, sister, and daughter, all of which were relationships that centered upon God's principal place in her life. Norma was a prayer warrior for others and utilized this gift to help support and comfort others in all types of situations. Her desire to become part of a missionary effort was cut short due to her illness. One of her favorite verses that she shared during the seven years of fighting cancer was Joshua 1:8-9. We would like to recognize the efforts of the MD Anderson Cancer Research Team, Dr. Jesus Gomez from Texas Oncology in El Paso, and most importantly Dr. Max Peralta, whose approach to Norma's healthcare included his knowledge of our family as of equal importance and concern.
A visitation for Norma will be held Monday, June 20, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel Evergreen East Funeral Home & Cemetery, 12400 East Montana, El Paso, Texas 79938, followed by a funeral service at 6:00 PM.
