FRANCO, Norma Jean

Norma Jean Franco, 63, of Mesa, AZ passed away on December 6, 2003. Visitation will be held 6-9pm, Friday Dec. 12, 2003, at Mesa Heritage Mortuary. The funeral will begin at 3pm on Saturday, December 13, 2003 at the same home, 5650 East Main St., Mesa AZ 85205. Arrangements by Mesa Heritage Mortuary. Published in the Arizona Republic on 12/10/2003. ~~~~~~~~ Franco, Norma Jean Norma Jean Franco, 63, of Mesa (formerly of Cleveland, OH) passed away on December 6th, 2003. Norma lived an adventurous life. She was a generous, truly genuine individual who was dedicated to caring for her family and friends. Her nurturing spirit brought light into the many lives that she touched. Norma, leaves behind her husband Ulises; children David, Thomas, Elizabeth & Daniel; their spouses Rita and Leo; her grandchildren Nicolas, Elizabeth & Leo II, as well as family and friends who will miss her presence and vitality. After the passing of her father, Arbor, Norma was inspired to become a Respiratory Therapist dedicated to helping others in need as they had tended to him. She lived in many interesting places from growing up in Cleveland, to having homes in Alaska, Arizona and overseas in Iran and Saudi Arabia. A proud highlight of her professional career was caring for our Armed Forces in Saudi Arabia during the first Gulf War. Norma enjoyed many adventures traveling overseas that fueled her thirst for learning and experiencing new cultures and seeing the world from a broad perspective. She loved to entertain and share her experiences with family and friends. Norma was active in prayer circles and a local book club. She had a passion for reading about art, mysteries, poetry and cooking. Visitation will be held 6-9pm, Friday Dec. 12, 2003, at Mesa Heritage Mortuary. The funeral will begin at 3pm on Saturday December 13, 2003 at the same home, 5650 East Main St., Mesa AZ 85205. Published in the Arizona Republic on 12/11/2003.