Norma Eladia San Mateo

Growing up in the Philippines, she enjoyed popular hobbies such as playing softball, mahjong, and card games with her friends while focusing on her education. She majored in accounting at Far Eastern University in Metro Manila, Philippines and became the 1st in her family to obtain a college degree. She began her career as certified public accountant supervisor for the Department of Water and Power in the Philippines. On September 6, 1964, she married Efren Rodriguez San Mateo and started a family with children Emelyn, Teresita, and Richard. In March 1972, Norma, while pregnant, made a brave decision and migrated overseas to Los Angeles for an accounting opportunity which paved the way for the future of her family. After being separated from her family for over three years, husband Efren along with their three eldest children immigrated to Los Angeles to finally join her and meet their newest family member Geraldine. Youngest son George followed thereafter. She enjoyed her new life in the states as a wife, mother, and accountant of 25 years until retirement while maintaining her unwavering commitment to the care of her husband, parents, siblings, children, and grandchildren. She also devoted herself to her church, community, and friends whenever or wherever possible.

A devout Catholic her entire life and catechism teacher for over 25 years, Norma took joy in raising her family, teaching, and cooking her favorite delicious Filipino dishes that no one can forget!! Her kind loving heart and assertive personality were both disciplinary yet nurturing. She often led many in prayer in the Filipino community and was a stellar example to those in the St. Joseph Parish while also serving in roles such as Secretary and Treasurer for the Catholic Daughters of America. She assisted many family and friends with their transition to America and gave unselfishly. Norma loved singing in the church choir, karaoke, traveling on family trips, camping, going to the beach for picnics, birthday parties, and killing a good game of mahjong or bingo. She will always be remembered for her kindhearted altruistic personality, strong work ethic, love of food, and boisterous belly laugh.

Norma has joined her husband Efren and daughter Emelyn and she is survived by and will forever live in the hearts of sisters, Carmelita(and family), Yolanda, Ednalou; beloved children Teresita, Richard, Geraldine, and George; nephew Jonathan; grandchildren Brenden, Jacob, Gian, and Kalaylani; and grandpets Trouble, Laverne & Sherly, Pippa, Phoenix, Belle (the mini pig), Gwen Cali, & Prince.