Norma Judith Bonet

Norma was born in Puerto Rico on August 2, 1948, and was the oldest of three children. She moved with her family to the mainland United States in 1955, eventually settling in the Bronx, New York, where she graduated from Grace Dodge Vocational High School.

Norma later married in 1968 and became the mother of two children. Following her divorce, she raised her children on her own while continuing her education and earning an associate degree in nursing from Bronx Community College. She went on to build a career as a registered nurse, a profession that remained an important source of pride throughout her life.

She also answered a call to military service, joining the United States Army Reserve. In 1986, Norma and her children moved to Arizona. She worked for two years as a nurse at an Indian Health Service hospital in Chinle before eventually settling in Tucson.

While living in Tucson, Norma volunteered for active duty during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Beginning in September 1990, she was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, for approximately seven months. During her military service, she was awarded the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Army Service Ribbon.

After her service during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Norma continued her education and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in the early 1990s.

Norma later transitioned to the United States Air Force Reserve. During her Air Force service, she spent several years in Panama before returning to Tucson in 1999. She ultimately achieved the rank of Major and was honorably discharged in March 2009.

Of all her accomplishments, Norma was especially proud of three things: being a nurse, serving her country, and worshiping God. Her faith was a central part of her life. Over the years, she attended services at several churches throughout Tucson, including St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and, more recently, Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church. Norma was also fiercely independent and took great pride in managing her life on her own terms.

Norma is survived by her mother, Remedios; her sister, Flerida; her brother, Oswaldo; her son, Angelo; her daughter, Melissa; her three grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She will be remembered for her dedication to nursing, her service to her country, her independence, and the strong faith that remained an important part of her life.

Norma will be laid to rest at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Marana, Arizona, on November 2, 2026.