Norma Jean Melchor

Norma Melchor, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2024. Born in San Antonio on January 1, 1932, Norma’s life was devoted to her family, faith, and church. She was a sixth generation Texan; a direct descendant and great-great-great granddaughter of Jose Antonio Navarro, signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence; a daughter of the Republic of Texas, and Canary Island descendant.

Following her graduation from Thomas Jefferson High School, Norma began her business career working for her father at the Navarro Piano Company in San Antonio Texas. She spent the next 35 years until her retirement working for the Northeast Independent School District.

Norma, and her husband Ruben, loved gathering with family and friends, hosting birthday parties, and holiday celebrations in their home. She was an excellent host; loved to cook and bake. She was known for her homemade birthday cakes and perfectly made Margaritas. After an evening of dancing (Norma and Ruben often turned heads with their smooth dancing style performances), friends would find their way to their lovely home for a bowl of homemade Menudo and tasty desserts.

Devoted to her Catholic faith, Norma and Ruben were members of St. Mathews for 40 years. Norma volunteered as a Eucharistic Minister, sang in the Spanish Choir, served as a Sacristan with her husband for the Spanish mass, and oversaw scheduling the perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. If someone was unable to serve, Norma was there to cover for them.

For many years Norma and her husband enjoyed staying active with not only daily Mass, but daily visits to the gym. Throughout their marriage they traveled extensively to Mexico, and during their retirement years traveled to Europe and South America. Her most memorable would be the Pilgrimage to Medjugorje, in Yugoslavia in 1987. This trip would forever change her life spiritually, and she longed for her family and friends to know about Medjugorje, and just how close we are to heaven while living on earth.

Norma leaves behind her devoted and loving husband, Ruben married for 73 years; her children, Mark Melchor and daughter in law, Carol; Mary Ann Niles and son in law, Steve; her grandchildren Regina Milazzotto and Rocco Milazzotto and his wife Megan, and her beloved great grandchildren, Mikel, and Mason Milazzotto.

Norma was one of five sisters and is preceded in death by her father, Eugene Navarro Jr. and mother, Consuelo “Connie” Navarro: sisters Eleanor Wallace, and Alice Green. She is survived by sisters, Sylvia Tillotson and husband John, of Dallas Texas, and Eugenia “Jeannie” Navarro of Austin Texas, along with numerous nieces and nephews she loved so much.

We mourn Norma’s passing but also celebrate her life that was devoted to her faith and family. Norma’s memory will remain and live forever in the hearts of all her family and the many friends that knew her.

We want to especially thank the many caregivers who cared for Norma, and our neighbors who have always assisted the family when help was needed.

The family will receive friends for visitation at St. Matthew Catholic Church, located at 10703 Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78230 on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM. A Rosary will be recited at 10:00 AM, followed immediately by Mass at 10:30 AM. The church will host a reception from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM and interment will follow in Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery at 1:30 PM. Pallbearers will be Mark Melchor, James Tillotson, Bob Wallace, Charlie Green, Rocco Milazzotto, and Ed Burner.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthews Catholic Church in honor of Norma Melchor or a charity of your choice.

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