Normalinda Aguila Gonce

Normalinda was born in the Philippines and was the eldest of three children. She later moved to Nashville, Tennessee to be with her mother and father, Norma and Dani Aguila.

Faith, family, friendship and service were important parts of her life. While growing up, Normalinda was an active member of Calvary United Methodist Church where she served and participated in youth activities such and basketball and singing. Her fondest memories growing up were spending time with her family and her many friends at Harpeth Hall school.

While attending Harpeth Hall, Normalinda was active in Penstaff, a literary program, Glee club, and was the staff photography director for the yearbook. Normalinda would go on to attend MTSU where she majored in Foods and Nutrition. During her time at MTSU, she would serve as a chaplain and historian for her sorority Kappa Delta. She carried her love for singing into college and joined the Wesley group as a singer.

Faith remained a consistent factor in Normalinda's life. In 1997, she would convert to Catholicism while continuing to cherish her Methodist roots by remaining active at Blakemore United Methodist Church along with Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church.

Normalinda dedicated much of her life to helping and serving others. She worked for many years as a preschool teacher, where she had the opportunity to nurture and encourage many young minds. She also worked in call centers and later served as a companion and sitter for Seniors Plus More. Her work reflected her caring spirit that was evident throughout her life.

Her generosity extended far beyond her career. For many years she donated blood to the American Red Cross until anemia prevented her from continuing. She was a dedicated supporter of organizations and causes close to her heart, including Guiding Eyes for the Blind, the Sumner County Humane Society, the World Wildlife Fund, and the Nature Conservancy. Her support of these organizations demonstrated her compassion for people, animals, and the natural world.

She leaves behind a legacy of faith, generosity, compassion, and service. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of her family, friends, church communities, and the many people whose lives she touched. She is survived by her husband, John Wisdom Gonce III sister, Dina Russ; and brother, Daniel Aguila.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to help cover expenses. Please send those to John Gonce, 1080 West Main St. Apt. 401., Hendersonville, TN 37075.