Norma was born on April 24, 1930 in San Bernadino, CA to Jim and Julia Womack. As an only child and the daughter of a land leveler, she traveled and moved a lot from city to city. She graduated from Huntington Beach High School in 1948 and then attended Orange Coast College, where she met her first husband Harold Blackwell. They later moved to Visalia, CA and had their daughter Kris. Years later her mother opened a dress shop on Lovers Lane named Julie’s, which later moved to the heart of downtown Visalia. Norma worked as a manager there for around 10 years. Norma accepted the Lord as her Savior and was later baptized on April 15, 1979 with her mom and daughter at Valley Bible Church. Upon the closing of Julie’s, Norma went to work at Gemco, where she met many lifelong friends and the love of her life, Rocco Napolitano. Norma and Rocco were married on July 4, 1982 in Visalia, CA. Together they worked at Gemco in Visalia for 10 years until its closing in December of 1986. During this time, they enjoyed the social life of parties at Gemco and traveled to Hawaii. Soon after Gemco closed, they become the managers of the Barcelona Apartments in Visalia, where Norma continued to make lifelong friends. Norma and Rocco helped start the Democratic Club of Visalia in 1999 and served as members until 2006. Norma was a volunteer for the SPCA and loved finding good homes for cats in need of adoption. Norma loved watching T.V. Her favorite shows of the past were Fantasy Island, Love Boat, Dallas, Dynasty, and Knots Landing.
In the most recent years, Norma enjoyed relaxing evenings at home with Rocco and her cats watching her favorite shows: Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and the nightly news. Norma and Rocco spent many hours together watching old movies. She was an avid reader and often stayed up late to finish a good book. She also loved evenings out, when she would go shopping, eat a good meal, and gather with her family. Norma loved history and telling stories of the past. Christmas was her absolute favorite time of the year. One special routine for Norma was talking to her family members each night on the phone. Whether it was a lively political discussion, a story of old times, or just a conversation about the events of the day, she was always up for a conversation no matter the time of night; she was always willing to give a listening ear and great advice. She loved to talk with people and could often be found holding up the checkout line at the store as she chatted kindly with the clerks. With her bright red hair and lips, Angel perfume, colorful, fashionable clothing and jewelry, and sense of humor, Norma was one of a kind. She loved life to the fullest, laughed a lot, loved parties, and knew how to have a good time. She was a smart and tough woman with a big personality and she had the most kind and generous heart. Her death has left a huge hole in the lives of those who love her, but her loved ones find comfort knowing that she is in the arms of her Lord and Savior.
Norma is survived by Rocco Napolitano, her husband of 41 years; their children, daughter Kris Whited and her husband Calvin Whited of Visalia, CA; daughter Gina Ziemann and her husband Scott Ziemann of Bakersfield, CA; grandchildren Mike and Chris Whited of Visalia, CA; Erin Nelson and her husband Randy Nelson of Visalia, CA; Taryn and Christine Ziemann of Bakersfield, CA; Megan Krstic and her husband Jake Krstic of Visalia, CA; great grandchildren Rowland Whited of Visalia; Aidan, Seth, and Abby Nelson of Visalia; Xavier Ziemann of Bakersfield; Gwen and Willow Krstic of Visalia. She was proceeded in death by her mother Julia Womack and her father Jim Womack.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Valley Oak SPCA.
Graveside services will be at the Visalia Public Cemetery on Thursday, February 3 at 10:30 am. A reception immediately following the service will be at Neighborhood Church.
Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291
Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com
