Norma B. Liwag

Born in San Francisco, California on July 16, 1930, Norma was the daughter of Miguel and Dorotea Bernardino.

Preceded in death are her parents, and siblings Exequiel, Vevencio, Jaime, Helen, and Delores. Mom was the last surviving sibling of her immediate family.

Also preceded in death are her late husband, Eliseo, and eldest son, Eliseo, Jr.

Left to cherish her memory are her sister-inlaws Liwanag Liwag of Altamonte Springs, Florida, and Naty Liwag, of Baguio City, Philippines. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Regrettably, she didn’t experience the joy of having any grandchildren. Norma was a faithful, patient, and devoted wife, and a doting mother to her three children.

Norma is survived by her daughter, Elinor Liwag LaGrone, and husband, William, of Grove, Oklahoma, and youngest son, Clifford Liwag, and his long-time companion, Michele Fiejo-Pugh, of Fremont, California.

In 1956, Norma received a combined certificate of Elementary School Teacher and Home Economics from the National Teachers College in the Philippines.

In California, she pursued a nursing career and worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse for many years at Glendale Adventist Medical Center in California.

As I was thinking of what to write, I found it a challenge because I realized that we all lived in different states of the country for over 30 years! Yet, there are many fond childhood memories I can clearly recall. Needless to say, when we did come to Florida to visit during the holidays and special occasions, it was truly evident that both of our parents were very special and were well-loved by their many friends and long-time church family.

Mom loved to sing in the church choir for as long as I can remember. Ma and dad shared many of the same interests, like planting Filipino vegetables and beautiful flowering shrubs, and go fishing with their fishing buddies. Mom enjoyed traveling with dad on cruise ships, as one of dad’s favorite sayings was “Gobble, Gobble!”

Mom enjoyed cooking and entertaining their close friends at home. As a teenager, I was the baker in the family. One day, Jr. made a profound comment to me. He said (as if looking into the future), “Your husband isn’t going to live on cookies and cakes alone!” I realized he was right, and from that point forward, I got serious about having Ma teach me how to cook. So, I’m thankful that I have many of her Filipino recipes, except for her Palitaw, which I understand was one of the favorites that everyone enjoyed at potlucks.

I’m so grateful for the Christian upbringing we had. Whatever church I visit, whatever religious station I listen to in the car, I can sing along to that old familiar hymn, which brings me joy. One of the most important concerns Ma had, was that all her children were saved, as she wanted all of us to be reunited again in Heaven.

Norma lived a full, simple, and blessed life. She taught me the virtues of strength and patience, to which my loving husband can attest. Our family is so blessed and grateful to have had our parents with us for so many years, and to have shared their lives with you, everyone who is present here today, and online.

So for now, Ma, rest peacefully next to dad. I love you, we all love you, I miss you and your flying kisses on FaceTime. Until all of us are reunited again, “Good night”.

A visitation for Norma will be held Friday, November 10, 2023 from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, 90 WEATHERSFIELD AVE, ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FL 32714. A visitation will occur Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Orlando Filipino SDA Church, 1226 Bunnell Road, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714. A funeral service will occur Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM at Orlando Filipino SDA Church, 1226 Bunnell Road, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714. A committal service will occur Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM at Highland Memory Gardens, 3329 E Semoran Blvd, Apopka, FL 32703.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.baldwinfairchildwestaltamonte.com for the Liwag family.