Obituary of Norma Marinas Villareal

July 29, 1939 - Pozorrubio, Pangasinan, Philippines

February 3, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Norma Villareal of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at the age of 84 years.

Norma was the eldest of ten siblings, and the matriarch of her family until her passing. While studying at the School of Midwifery in Manila, Norma was introduced to Frank at the city fiesta. There were many suitors, but Frank won her over and they married in September of 1962. Their son John was born in the Philippines, but when he was three years old, they moved to Vancouver where daughters Jennifer and Leanne were born. Norma continued work as a midwife and an operating room assistant at the Vancouver General Hospital. They moved not long after to Cranbrook and then Trail in British Columbia, where she continued her nursing career and raising her young family. When Frank's job took them to Calgary, Norma worked at the Father Lacombe Care Center, where she stayed for some twenty years.  Norma took pride in being a working mother, often on her own with Frank working out of town. She was a hard worker and a help to others, often picking up additional shifts.

Norma enjoyed taking family camping and fishing trips as well as ballroom dancing lessons. She and Frank travelled frequently, including five Philippine winter escapades, cruises, and a tour of Europe. She was active in Filipino senior clubs with Frank and enjoyed parties nearly every weekend. Norma’s philosophy on life was to enjoy it to the fullest and she did so. Her greatest joy was her tight-knit family and her three grandchildren. She was feisty and strong-willed to the end. 

Norma is survived by her husband of sixty-two years, Frank Villareal, and their three children, John (Tracey), Jennifer, and Leanne (Ben), grandsons Ethan Villareal Jones, Aidan and Mateo Schneider, and her three brothers, Larry (Marcia), Ramon (Nympha) and Romy (Marlene).

Norma is predeceased by her parents, Hilario Sr. and Bernadina Marinas, her five brothers, Roberto (Zenaida), Lino (Josie), Leo (Linda), Rene (Imelda) and Mario (Lai), and her sister, Charito Balahaja.

A special thank you to all the kind staff who affectionately referred to Norma as “Nanay” and made feel at home at Father Lacombe Care Centre and Providence Care Centre, where she spent her last years. 

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, February 8, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church (1600 Acadia Drive S.E., Calgary, AB) on Friday, February 9, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall at the Church.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Norma’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Norma’s family here.

In living memory of Norma Villareal, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

Click to Sign the Video Guest Book and Watch Norma's Prayer Service