Norma Armendaniz Lamas

1943 - 2010

On Nov. 14, 2010, our gracious God gave Norma an early birthday gift by opening his heavenly gates to receive her as his chosen angel into eternal life. Norma A. Lamas, age 66, with a joyful expression on her face in her own home, in her own bed, accepted God's heavenly gift.

Norma was born on Nov. 21, 1943 in Mexico, but was a Ventura County resident for over 40 years. Norma had a passion for life and never wasted a second complaining about her health, although she had been diagnosed with cancer. She showed many of us how to have a zest for life and live life like there was no tomorrow.

Her life was full of sub-passions; just to mention a few, she could sing professionally or whistle the songs and at the same time dance to them. As young and old she loved to arm wrestle anyone that would challenge her strength and beat them every time. Norma could extraordinarily do mental math, faster than one could get the calculator out. She loved the USA Chivas and Mexico's National Soccer Teams. She spent many hours doing cross/search word puzzles. She had an uncanny sense of humor with her one liners and took no prisoners with her direct razor sharp wit that was unmatched. As a member of the family circle, she was given the platform to exercise all her talents. She had a memorable laugh that could be heard from the next room and with an unbroken spirit and a fearless philosophy for life she said adios to all of us.

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him". 1 Corinthians 2:9b

Norma is survived by her daughters, Lorena Lamas Alamillo, Maricela Lamas, and Veronica Lamas; three grandchildren; mother, Concepcion Diaz; sisters, Evangelina Diaz Barrera, Erma Valdivia, and Arcie Torres; brothers, Armando Diaz and Joe M. Diaz. She will also be missed by all her extended family and friends. Norma we love you! From all of us, have a well deserved early Happy Birthday!

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18 with a rosary to be recited at 7 p.m. at the Garcia Mortuary Chapel in Oxnard. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 19 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Oxnard. Interment to follow at Santa Clara Cemetery. For maps and directions to all ceremony locations and to sign the family's online guestbook, please visit www.mysantapaulafuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the family-owned and operated Garcia Mortuary, 629 South "A" St., Oxnard. For further information please call 486-9148.