In Loving Memory of Norma Linda Villarreal

Norma Linda Villarreal was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 2, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and grace. Born on December 22nd, 1955, in Pleasanton, Texas, she lived a life marked by compassion, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family and faith.

She was a loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend, known for her wisdom, generosity, and resilient spirit. Her days were filled with service to others, quiet acts of love, and a deep belief in the power of prayer.

Norma was a proud graduate of Memorial High School and retired from AT&T after 30 years of dedicated service. She spent many cherished years traveling with her beloved Aunt Frances and dear friends from Memorial and AT&T. There was always a party waiting for her—she never missed a chance to dress up for a night downtown or wherever the occasion led, always arriving to cheers from countless friends.

At home, Norma transformed every space she lived in into something fit for royalty. Her design sense was so refined it could have easily become a profession. She loved decorating, rearranging, and improving her home—never stopping, because she never ran out of ideas. When she did allow herself to rest, she enjoyed hours of television and movies, making up for all those late nights at the office on Broadway, often coming home to the National Anthem or static on the screen.

Perhaps most profoundly, Norma had an unwavering love for animals, especially her own dogs and cats. There was never a time in her adult life without at least one dog by her side. She was the Patron Saint of lost and abused animals. Even while in the hospital, uncertain of what lay ahead, her first concern each day was whether the dogs and cats had food and water. That was Norma—selfless, nurturing, and devoted.

She was a lover of animals, a lover of her friends and family, and a lover of doing things her way. Her way was law in our home—and, as many know, often outside of it too. As I grew older, I realized: she was right. She was wise and resilient beyond her years and appearance, often compared to "The Iron Lady," and could likely outwit even Margaret Thatcher in a debate.

Norma was one of a kind. If everyone stood in line for Door A, she'd be firmly in line for Door B. Tough but fair, once you knew her, you understood the depth of her love for everyone and everything in this world. She prayed for everyone she knew and carried their struggles in her heart, even while facing her own.

Now, she is truly at peace—designing and personalizing her own little space in Heaven, surrounded by loved ones who passed before her, and all of her beloved dogs waiting to greet her.

She is survived by her son, Zachary Jay Moreno; sister, Carol L. Noriega; brothers, Jesus R. Noriega and Carlos Villarreal; and numerous nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind a lifetime of friends who became family.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Esther Noriega, devoted stepfather Jesus G. Noriega, and beloved grandparents Carolina and Roman Rodriguez.

Norma enjoyed spending time with her loved ones, sharing laughter, stories, and the warmth of her generous spirit. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her.

FUNERAL SERVICES

Monday, November 17, 2025

Family and Friends may begin to gather at 5:00pm
Rosary will be recited at 7:00pm
The Angelus Funeral Home Chapel
1119 N. St. Mary's St.

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Funeral Mass will be offered at 10:00am
Christ the King Catholic Church

Interment will follow in
Resurrection Cemetery @Cordi-Marian

*If you will be traveling into the downtown area from the Medical Center on I-10 headed East, please check traffic routes.  There is construction on I-10 East to I-35 North and I-10 East to I-35 South, to include the closing of the McCullough/Brooklyn exit.  More information can be found on our home page.