Norma Mary Segale Ronco died peacefully in the presence of family on Friday, August 12, 2011. Norma was born on June 17, 1921 in Glendale, California, the youngest daughter of Joseph and Rose Segale. In her early twenties, while attending nursing school, Norma was diagnosed with profound hearing loss. Despite this handicap she always lived life to the fullest and found a way to bring out the best in everyone. While in Glendale she met her husband-to-be at a family gathering and within a short 6 months they were married. Ed and Norma made their home in the Berryessa area of San Jose. Here, along with her family, she farmed apricots, cherries and walnuts for over 40 years. Norma took great pride in her community involvement, including the USO in Glendale during WWII, SHHH (Self Help for Hard of Hearing People), TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), and Alum Rock United Methodist Church. Norma was a charter member of Alum Rock United Methodist Church and always thought of her fellow parishioners as extended family. Her favorite church project was working at Loaves and Fishes and she often brought her grandchildren to help her. Up until the last years of her life, Norma's summertime pleasure was making apricot jam and dried apricots#8212;delights that her family and friends looked forward to every year. Norma was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Ercole Ronco, and her son, Stephen Ronco. Norma is survived by her two children, Christina Maurer (Ed), David Ronco (Liz), daughter-in-law, Stephanie, seven grandchildren, Lindsey (31), Stephanie (25), Elizabeth (23), Alexandra (19), Eddie Ray (14), Melissa (12), and Mario (9), and sister, Louise.
Friends are invited to attend a Visitation Tuesday, August 16th from 5 pm- 9 pm at LIMA CAMPAGNA SUNNYVALE MORTUARY, 1315 Hollenbeck Ave., Sunnyvale. Funeral Service Wednesday, August 17th, at 1 pm at Alum Rock United Methodist Church, 30 Kirk Avenue, San Jose. Interment to follow at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, 490 Lincoln St., Santa Clara. To honor Norma's memory, a gift to Self Help for Hard of Hearing People is greatly appreciated.