Norma De Mata Verano

In Loving Memory of Norma Verano

December 17, 1953 - July 9, 2025

Obituary

Norma Verano, 71, of Hialeah, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2025. Born on December 17, 1953, in Pangasinan, Philippines.

Norma lived a life marked by compassion, resilience, and unwavering faith. She was the beloved daughter of the late Isabelo Meneses De Mata and Visitacion Serna De Mata, and is now reunited with her dear siblings, Rogelito and Florencia. She is survived by her loving sisters Eugenia, Milagros, and Luisa, who will continue to carry her memory forward.

Norma dedicated 40 years of her life to nursing career, beginning her journey in the Philippines, continuing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and eventually settling in the United States, where she worked in both hospital setting and later in a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities. Her gentle hands and compassionate heart brought healing and comfort to countless patients over the decades.

She was a devoted mother to Roma and Maria, and a proud grandmother to Raphael Reyver (son of Roma) and Mia Isabella (daughter of Maria). She also lovingly embraced her extended family, including Moises, Maria's husband, and his sons Moises III and Joshua.

Norma found joy in baking, cooking, and gardening, often filling her home with warmth, delicious aromas. She is known for her homemade lumpia, embutido, cassava cake, pancit and pasta. A woman of deep and enduring faith, she listened daily to live Masses from Quiapo Church (officially the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, also known as St. John the Baptist Parish), prayed the Novena, and regularly joined prayer meetings via Zoom. She was also fond of watching game shows, crime TV series, drama series which she also streams and listens to her phone lulling her to sleep for her afternoon naps.

Despite facing serious health challenges including multiple hospitalizations, three intubations, two rounds on a ventilator, beyond major surgeries with her recent: mastectomy, and ongoing dialysis, Norma remained fiercely independent. Even while on 24/7 oxygen, she continued to walk unaided and traveled on her own using provided transport. Her strength, determination, and grace in the face of adversity were nothing short of extraordinary.

Norma will be remembered for her resilience, her deep love for her family, and her unwavering devotion to her faith. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Her Final Fight

This year alone, Norma was hospitalized from May 2 to May 16 for anemia requiring blood transfusions. She was admitted again from June 14 to June 23 for pneumonia secondary to Covid infection and developed atrial fibrillation just as she was preparing for discharge. She was then transferred to the Cardiac unit which required further stay through June 28. She was happy to finally be home in good spirits even proceeding to prepare her now ripe plantains to cook the same day she got home.

She was just happy getting her strength back day by day and even went on to 2 of her 3 dialysis sessions for the week. However, early morning on July 5, shortly after being connected to the hemodialysis machine, she became unresponsive and went into cardiac arrest. CPR was performed and she was revived, intubated, and transferred to Jackson North Hospital.

Despite sedation, Norma remained lucid, communicating through hand gestures and writing. She requested the removal of a Foley catheter, recognizing it was unnecessary due to her end-stage renal disease. She also requested suctioning when she sensed fluid buildup in her throat. Her final written request was for a priest. Upon hearing protests from her daughters not being ready to let go yet, she had to write it down 2 more times over. Though the hospital had no chaplain available, her son-in-law, Moises, searched tirelessly and eventually found Father Omode of St. Lawrence Church, who came to administer the anointing of the sick and last rites prayers.

Norma was then moved to the CICU later that night where nurses Leo and Yani cared for her with compassion and dignity. Her family continued her daily Masses by playing them at her bedside. Norma held on and continued to fight daily even while developing fever. On July 9, after showing signs of recovery and preparing for extubation, she suffered another cardiac event during dialysis. Despite all efforts, her family honored her DNR and held her hand as she peacefully passed.

Her courage, clarity, and faith in her final days were a testament to the strength and grace with which she lived her life.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The family of Norma Verano wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude for your prayers, support, and presence during this time of loss. Your love, generosity, and prayers during this difficult time mean more than words can express.

We welcome further assistance and support. We kindly ask that any help be sent directly to her daughters, Roma (305-321-3955) or Maria (305-904-7440). Your kindness and compassion are deeply appreciated.

Those who wish to offer a prayer, share a scripture reading, or contribute a personal tribute to Norma's memory are welcome during the memorial and burial services.