Norma Alalay Pagdanganan passed peacefully at the age of 89 on September 29, 2021 at their home in Newark, CA. She was born on November 16, 1931 in Bacoor, Cavite, Philippines and was the youngest of the five children of the late Juan Alalay and Dionisia Francisco Alalay. Norma graduated from Philippine Normal College with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education.
Norma was happily married for 68 years to the love of her life, Agripino "Peping" Pagdanganan. They got married on September 19, 1953 and lived together in Bacoor, Cavite, Philippines for 27 years before immigrating to California, USA in 1980.
Norma is survived by her husband Peping; two sons: Reynaldo "Reny" and Agripino Jr. "Jeng"; daughters-in-law: Delia and Tatie; nine grandchildren and their spouses: Kathrina & Jeffrey, John & Toni, Arvin & Kristel, Jeremy, Jann, Melissa & Criss, Kimmarie, Angela & Junnel and Allan; and six great grandchildren: Kassandra, Kourtney, Kyle, Shekinah, Liam and Khalil. She also left behind many nephews, nieces and their families whom she all loved dearly.
Norma loved the Lord with all her heart. Her love for worship was undeniable as she served as a choir member for forty years at St. Felicitas Catholic Church and Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish. Norma was the "Mommy" of all; she was very loving, caring, compassionate and thoughtful not just to family and friends but to every person she crossed path with. Her thoughtfulness has always been a blessing; always giving something to everyone brought joy to her heart. Norma was very much loved by many; leaving behind nothing but wonderful memories.
Before she passed, her health declined really fast and she lost her beautiful voice. But the day before she has gone to be with the Lord, she tried to speak with all her might and repeated this phrase three times: "Forgive me Jesus, I love you Jesus". And while struggling to breathe, she still tried to sing the song "I am the Bread of Life" one last time. At her very last breath, she raised her left hand as the Lord Almighty reached out to her and received her eternally in His loving arms.
Norma leaves a legacy of having a servant heart for the Lord and love for people. She has now transitioned to her glorious body in heaven where we will someday see her again.
*You will forever be missed, Mommy Norma. Enjoy worshiping with all the angels in heaven. Until we see each other again. We love you very much.
