Nora Elia Heverly

Nora Elia Santana Heverly, age 59, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. Born on July 9, 1966, in Fort Worth, Texas, Nora was the beloved daughter of Norberto and Hilda Santana. She was raised in Fort Worth and graduated from Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School in 1984. She completed her bachelor’s degree in social work at the University of Texas at Arlington in 1997 and became a licensed social worker the same year. She then went on to earn a master’s degree in public health, combining her intellect, determination, and deep desire to help others into a remarkable career devoted to service.

Nora dedicated her professional life to caring for and advocating for others. As a social worker and public health professional, she touched countless lives through her compassion, wisdom, and unwavering belief in the dignity and worth of every person. Whether advocating for children, supporting families, improving healthcare systems, or guiding individuals through difficult circumstances, Nora approached her work with extraordinary empathy. Her colleagues admired her brilliance, leadership, and tireless commitment to making the world a better place.

Beyond her profession, Nora was a loving wife, devoted mother, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and treasured friend. Family was the center of her world, and she found her greatest joy in the people she loved. She was known for her warm heart, gentle guidance, infectious positivity, and remarkable ability to make everyone feel seen, heard, and valued. She gave freely of herself, offering help unconditionally and encouraging others with unwavering faith and optimism.

Nora shared a beautiful life with her treasured husband, David, whose love, and partnership brought her immeasurable happiness. She was fiercely devoted to her daughter, Raquel, and her son, David, and took immense pride in their lives and accomplishments. Her love for her family knew no bounds, and she remained their greatest supporter, advocate, and source of strength.

Service to others extended far beyond Nora's professional life. She generously volunteered with the Hispanic Healthcare Professional Association, MOMS Club, PTA, school band and sports organizations, and numerous nonprofit groups. She believed deeply in giving back to her community and uplifting those around her.

Nora embraced life with enthusiasm and adventure. She enjoyed travel, biking, rock climbing, dancing, running, water sports, fly fishing, entertaining friends and family, and exploring new ideas through her lifelong love of research and epidemiology. A natural-born learner, she possessed a razor-sharp mind and an endless curiosity about the world. She never hesitated to stand up for what was right, advocate for the vulnerable, or challenge others to think more deeply and compassionately.

Those who knew Nora will remember her as loving, caring, compassionate, and strong. She was a fierce advocate for her loved ones and a force of nature whose presence filled every room with warmth, laughter, and grace. Her quick wit and wry sense of humor could find light even in difficult moments, reminding those around her to treasure life's blessings and persevere through its challenges.

Above all, Nora was a woman of profound faith. She walked through life with a gentle grace and unwavering trust in God. Her faith was not only something she believed—it was something she lived every day through her kindness, generosity, honesty, and selfless care for others. She showed those around her what true faith looks like by the way she loved and served.

Though her earthly journey has ended, her family finds comfort in knowing that God has welcomed her into His loving embrace. They rejoice in the promise that she is at peace and surrounded by His eternal love.

Nora's heart was a sanctuary of compassion and warmth. Her memory will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. She leaves behind a legacy of faith and unconditional love that will never be forgotten.

Nora is survived by her husband, David, two children, Raquel and David, her mother Hilda, her father Norberto, her sisters Edna and Julia, her brothers Alexandro and Norberto, and many cherished relatives and friends.

In honor of Nora, memorial donations can be made to the Leiomyosarcoma Support and Direct Research Foundation (LMSDR) at; https://www.lmsdr.org/donate