Norina Garcia Aldecoa

Norina Garcia Aldecoa, aged 93, of Fresno, California, passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Norina (affectionately known as Norine) was born in Artesia, New Mexico, on September 1st, 1930. She was the beloved wife of the late Jose T. Aldecoa. Norine and Jose (Joe) were united in marriage on December 11th, 1948, in Gilbert, AZ, and cherished 32 years of marriage until his passing in March 1980.

A visitation for Norine will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, located at 836 E Nees Ave, Fresno, California 93720. A recitation of the holy rosary will follow at 7:00 PM at the same location. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, located at 2838 N. West, Fresno, California 93705, followed by a committal service at Fresno Memorial Gardens, 175 S. Cornelia Ave., Fresno, California 93706.

Norine was born to Manuel Garcia and Refugia Gonzales in the town of Lake Arthur, North of Carlsbad, New Mexico. She was the third daughter, preceded in death by Pauline Pimentel, Ida Jimenez, Ambrosio Garcia, Lilia Guzman, Beneralda Langley (of Bremerton, Washington), and Manuel Garcia. Norine often humorously remarked that she was born on Labor Day, coming into the world ready to work.

Norine met Joe Aldecoa in Buttonwillow, CA, and together they built a life, initially residing in Queen Creek, AZ. Norine contributed to the Aldecoa household, assisting Waldo Sr. with accounting and payroll. In Arizona, Norine and Joe were blessed with three children: Katherine (Kathy) Aldecoa, Josephine (Josie) Brown, and Jose Jr (Joe). The family later relocated to Salinas, CA, where they worked on a farm with ocean views. After brief periods in Queen Creek and San Joaquin, CA, they settled at 2445 Fedora, completing their family with the births of Hector and Carol.

Throughout her life, Norine pursued various careers, demonstrating her industrious nature and dedication to her community. Her professional journey began at a furniture and men's clothing store in Carlsbad, NM, followed by teenage employment at Carlsbad High School's cafeteria as a prep chef and baker's assistant. Norine and her family engaged in agricultural work, picking cotton and various fruits throughout the San Joaquin Valley. She later served as a nurse's aide at Bel Haven Care assisted living facility in Fresno, CA, and spent 30 years at Catholic Charities-Fulton Street Offices, contributing to Rent, Mortgage & Utility Assistance programs.

In recognition of her exceptional service, Norine received numerous accolades. In 2017, she was honored with the Veterans Administration of Central California HealthCare System Lifetime Achievement Award for her 19 years of service, which accounted for 2,043 volunteer hours. Additionally, in April 2023, Norine was recognized by the VFW Post 8900, Ladies Auxiliary, for her 70 years of dedicated service and leadership roles within the Auxiliary.

Norine's remarkable personality shone through her great sense of humor, infectious smile, and hearty laugh. She possessed an extraordinary memory, serving as the family historian, adept at recalling milestones and ancestral origins. Norine's weekends were spent in anticipation of fun, her hair freshly styled every Friday, and her bags always packed for spontaneous adventures. Ever generous, she never turned away those in need, always making room for one more.

Norine exemplified the values of hard work, familial love, faithfulness, and gratitude. In her later years, she often remarked, "I do what I want, when I want, and if I want."

Norine is survived by; her children Kathy, Josie (Lawrence Brown), and Joe: grandchildren: Ramon Aldecoa (Suzanne), Christopher Brown (Grace), Johnluke (Kirsten), and Rachel. She leaves behind 5 great-grandchildren: Madeline, Andrew, Evie, Jaxon, and Levi.