Norma Gonzalez

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Norma Reyes Gonzalez, who peacefully left this world on July 23, 2026, at the age of 78. Born on April 28, 1948, in Brooklyn, New York, Norma carried the spirit, strength, and pride of New York City with her wherever life took her. She was fiercely proud of her Puerto Rican heritage and never missed an opportunity to celebrate her culture through music, family, food, and laughter.

Norma had an unmistakable sense of style. She loved getting dressed up, looking her best, and spending time with friends. Whether it was a night out dancing salsa and merengue or simply enjoying good company, she lived life with joy and confidence. She had an infectious smile and a beautiful laugh that made people feel welcome.

Her professional life reflected her incredible work ethic and versatility. Norma spent nearly 30 years in New York City's Garment District, where her remarkable eye for fashion, fabrics, and quality made her exceptionally talented in her field. She later worked in the communications industry before dedicating over a decade to public service as a Correctional Officer with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, where she retired after faithfully serving others.

Throughout her life, Norma called many places home, including New York City, Las Vegas, Nevada, Palestine, Texas, and Orlando, Florida. Each place brought her treasured friendships and unforgettable memories that she carried with her.

She was a woman full of life who loved to dance, especially to salsa, merengue, and reggaeton. She found happiness in movement and was an avid Zumba enthusiast, attending classes as many as five times a week. She was also a passionate fan of the Vegas Golden Knights, and anyone who knew her remembers how long it took her to forgive the team for trading her favorite player, Marc-André Fleury.

Above all else, Norma's greatest pride was her family.

She was a devoted mother to Wanda, Juan, and Luis, whom she loved unconditionally and celebrated every chance she had.

She was a proud grandmother to Stefanie, Francisco “Tito”, Valerie, Stephanie, Ashley, Selena, Cristiana, and Elijah.

And her joy continued through her great-grandchildren: Mia, Lily, Riley, Nathan, and Damon, and the generations that will follow her legacy of love.

She also lovingly welcomed her daughters-in-law, Mildred and Jennifer, as cherished members of the family.

Norma was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Bertha Maldonado and Domingo Reyes, as well as her brothers Hector and Esteban and her nephew David.

She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grand children and her siblings: Rosita, Rolando, Ricky, Julio, and Raul, along with countless nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and lifelong friends who loved her dearly.

Her family was one of her life's greatest treasures. She shared a special bond with her siblings and throughout their lives embraced them as if they were her own. This created a special bond with her nieces and nephews. Among her many beloved nieces and nephews are Aaron and Andre, Esteban and Teresa's twin sons, whom she proudly served as godmother to, and she forever held close the memory of their late son, David. She also leaves behind Rolando, Mandy and their sons, Xavier, Junior, and Angel; Ricky, Marlem and their children Ricky and Chantel; and Rosita and her children, Wilson "Tito," Jessica, and Julio.

Norma's friendships stretched across the country. From lifelong friends in the Brooklyn neighborhood that raised her, to her cherished Zumba family in Florida, her correctional officer brothers and sisters in Texas, and her beloved Arioso community in Nevada, she built lifelong relationships wherever she went. She had a gift for making people feel like family.

In her later years, Norma discovered another special love. A love for dogs. While she never had one of her own, she proudly embraced the title of "doggy grandma." She adored every one of her grand dogs, including Ace and Mojo, Leah and Bear, Bronx, Milan, and Kimmy. They brought her endless happiness, and she loved spoiling them with affection. Her bond with Milan was especially unforgettable and brought her immeasurable joy. We know Leah, Mojo, Bear and Ace were there to greet her with their tails wagging.

Norma's legacy is one of resilience, compassion, laughter, faith, and unconditional love. She taught those around her the importance of family, friendship, hard work, and living life with style and passion. Whether she was dancing to her favorite salsa song, cheering on the Golden Knights, sharing stories of New York, or simply spending time with the people she loved, she made every moment count.

Although our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that her love lives on through every generation of her family, every life she touched, and every memory we will forever hold close.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our Norma.