Norma M Gillen
September 26, 1943 – April 2, 2022
Norma M Gillen, cherished mom and Abuelita, passed peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 2, 2022 at age 78. Norma was born on September 26, 1943 in Tegucigalpa, Honduras to her loving parents, Alfredo Martinez and Zoila Moncada. Together with her brother and sisters, Norma grew up in Honduras, Costa Rica, and Mexico before settling in Washington DC in 1958.
In 1966 she fell in love with her Bebo, William Joseph Gillen and together they welcomed their greatest joys, Cathleen (1967) and William (1969). Together they all travelled the world, living in Amman, Jordan and Mogadishu, Somalia. Norma had a long career working for the Department of Defense, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund where she made wonderful friends from all corners of the globe.
Upon their retirements, Norma and William settled in Louisa VA and then Gordonsville VA, where they were surrounded by a loving and fun community. Norma was a beloved Abuelita to her four grandchildren, Alex (1991), Ryan (1993), Grace (1995) and Meaghan (1999).
Norma is survived by her sisters (las hermanas), Liliana and Zoila, her daughter Cate, stepdaughter Maureen, their husbands Brian and Billy, and her grandchildren. Norma joined her parents, brothers (Aquiles and Alfredo), husband, and beloved son in the gardens of heaven.
A funeral mass will be held Saturday April 9, 2022 at 1pm at St. Jude Catholic Church, 1937 Davis Hwy, Mineral, VA 23117. The mass will be live streamed at: https://www.facebook.com/
The mass will be followed by a reception at the Blue Ridge Shores Clubhouse. The family would be delighted for you to join them there.
Very thankful to have met the sweet and lovely Norma. I will never forget the Christmas game night we had together, we had a great time ! You will be missed
Sisters are those special friends with whom we spent a lifetime.
Although we went separate ways after getting married, we had a special bond — our childhood had been a constant trip of adventure, so, we remember!!
Norma was always composed — even the in adversity. She was smart, patient and very organized.
She now rests, no fuss, she had it her way!!
RIP
She was a very loving and kind person. Will always treasure the memories spent with her and thw family. Rest in peace ?