Nora Heard

Nora Zazueta (née Casas), 66, of Whittier, California, passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 21, 2024, at UCI Medical Center in Orange, California, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on December 25, 1957, in Santa Maria, California, Nora was a Christmas blessing to her parents, Julia Mejia and Acencion Casas. She was one of 14 children, sharing a special bond with her twin sister, Dora. Nora attended Guadalupe Elementary School and graduated from Ernest Righetti High School in 1976. Her love of music led her to Western Apostolic Bible College in Stockton, where she honed her singing talents.
Nora was a woman of many gifts and talents. She was a skilled artisan, creating personalized knitted gifts and clothing through her custom handmade business. She generously shared her passion for creativity, holding monthly craft classes at her apartment complex, where she taught seniors to knit, loom, and sew.
Above all, Nora was a woman of deep faith. A devout Pentecostal since her teens, she found her calling as a praise singer and was baptized alongside her twin sister at the age of 15. Nora was an active member of Word Aflame Ministries, led by her brother, Bishop Joe "Manuel" Garcia, and his wife, Marie Lou, and her nephew, Pastor Stephen Garcia, and his wife, Alma. She served as an elder, taught Sunday school, and enthusiastically participated in all church functions and outreach programs. Nora found particular joy in attending Exodus Conferences and sharing her faith through hospital and nursing home visits, often gifting her handmade beanies.
Nora was a beacon of strength and perseverance. Despite battling kidney failure and undergoing dialysis for two decades, she never allowed her illness to define her. Her unwavering faith and countless miracles served as a testament to her resilience and inspired all who knew her.
Nora is survived by her beloved husband, Edward "Willy" Zazueta; her children, Marlin Salazar, Nehemiah Salazar, and Mariah Stinson; and her faithful companion, Zacchaeus. She also leaves behind her brothers, Frank Castillo, Robert Castillo, and Joe "Manuel" Garcia; and her sisters, Mary Escobedo, Lupe Reynoso, Rosie Garcia, Consuelo Garcia, and Dora De Los Rios-Ramirez. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Jesse Castillo, Junior Castillo, Joey Castillo, Tony Castillo; and her sister, Maggie Espinoza.
A memorial service will be held at the Word Aflame Ministries Church, 2000 West Road, La Habra Heights, CA 90631, on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 7:00 pm. Burial will take place at Guadalupe Cemetery, 4655 W Main St, Guadalupe, CA 93434, at a date and time to be determined.
"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." - James 1:12
Nora's memory will forever be cherished by her family and friends. Her kindness, creativity, and unwavering faith will continue to inspire all who knew her.